1-Day Spiritual and Ritualistic Abuse Awareness Course

Understand Spiritual and Ritualistic Abuse

• Define spiritual and ritualistic abuse and understand how it differs from other forms of abuse.
• Explore how spiritual beliefs or practices can be misused to control, harm, or exploit individuals.
• Recognise the psychological, emotional, and physical impact on victims and communities.
• Understand the difference between legitimate faith practices and harmful coercive behaviour.

Recognise the Indicators and Contexts

• Identify warning signs that may suggest a child or young person is at risk of spiritual or ritualistic abuse.
• Recognise common contexts, including accusations of witchcraft, possession, exorcism, or cleansing rituals.
• Understand how fear, shame, and isolation are used to silence victims.
• Explore case studies and learning from serious case reviews.

Respond Safely and Appropriately

• Apply safeguarding procedures to cases involving spiritual or ritualistic abuse.
• Respond professionally and sensitively, avoiding assumptions or cultural bias.
• Understand the importance of multi-agency collaboration in identifying and addressing abuse.
• Know when and how to escalate concerns and make referrals to safeguarding leads or statutory services.

Culturally Competent Practice

• Develop cultural awareness and sensitivity when discussing faith-based concerns.
• Balance respect for cultural diversity with the need to challenge and prevent harm.
• Build confidence in engaging with families, faith communities, and community leaders.
• Recognise how prejudice or fear of offending cultural groups can impact professional judgement.

Support and Protection for Victims

• Understand the immediate and long-term impact of spiritual or ritualistic abuse on mental health and identity.
• Explore trauma-informed approaches to supporting children and families.
• Promote recovery through safe relationships, stability, and empowerment.
• Recognise the importance of aftercare, counselling, and community safeguarding responses.

Relevant Legislation and Guidance

• Children Act 1989 & 2004 – Duties to protect children from significant harm.
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) – Multi-agency safeguarding responsibilities.
• Faith-Based Abuse: National Action Plan (DfE, 2012) – Guidance on tackling abuse linked to faith or belief.
• Human Rights Act 1998 – Rights to dignity, safety, and freedom from degrading treatment.
• Modern Slavery Act 2015 – Addressing exploitation linked to coercion and control.
• Serious Crime Act 2015 – Offences relating to coercive or controlling behaviour.
• Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR) – Recording and sharing sensitive safeguarding information lawfully.

Reflective and Defensible Practice

• Reflect on personal values, beliefs, and professional boundaries in faith-related work.
• Recognise how bias or discomfort may affect decision-making and confidence.
• Develop defensible, evidence-based recording and reporting practices.
• Embed culturally competent, trauma-informed safeguarding principles within daily practice.