Ritualistic child sexual abuse

Abstract

Ritualistic sexual abuse is a term used to describe sexual abuse linked to symbolic or group clandestine activities with overtones of religious, magical, or Satanic intent. Reports such as these have increased dramatically in the United States over the last two decades, as have reports of group child sexual abuse in general. This literature review is designed to elucidate terminology used and to describe common features of these accounts, probe the dilemmas surrounding credibility and verifiability in these cases, and provide recommendations for improved evaluation and appropriate action when similar situations arise in the future. Supreme attention must be paid to the victims and their families, as more traumatic types of abuse may present a far more difficult path to recovery for both generations.