‘Chilli rubbed in child’s eye to remove evil spirit’ ...

By Alain Tolhurst
Lond24
October 8, 2014

http://www.london24.com/news/chilli_rubbed_in_child_s_eye_to_remove_evil_spirit_say_police_as_they_launch_witchcraft_abuse_summit_1_3798123

Kristy Bamu and Victoria Climbie, both of whom were victims of witchcraft-related murder in London, tortured by those supposed to be looking after them

‘Chilli rubbed in child’s eye to remove evil spirit’ say police as they launch witchcraft abuse summit

Allegations of child abuse linked to witchcraft in London including rape, assault and neglect are on the rise say police, who today launch a summit to tackle the issue.

In the past year 27 investigations have been launched into claims children have been force-fed unknown substances to rid them of evil spirits, dunked in a bath to wash away evil spirits, and that a pastor swung a child around and banged their head to drive out the devil.

A spokesman for the Met said previous calls have included one alleging chilli peppers were rubbed into a child’s eyes to remove the evil spirit.

And there have been claims of parents removing children from schools in London and taking them out of the country to attend an exorcism ceremony.

A number of horrific child killings have been linked to witchcraft-related beliefs, including the murder of 15-year-old Kristy Bamu, tortured and drowned by his sister and her boyfriend in 2010, and the death of Victoria Climbie.

The number of cases of ritualistic or faith-based abuse of children reported to Scotland Yard has increased year-on-year over the past decade, with 148 cases referred since 2004.

Out of this year’s investigations into ritual child abuse, ranging from child neglect, common assault, ABH, administrating noxious substances to sexual assault offences, one case has resulted in an arrest for rape, and one in a charge for rape.

In light of this, representatives from education, social care, healthcare, faith organisations and non-governmental organisations will be at the multi-agency event at City Hall today.

It is hosted by the Met’s Project Violet team and the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service, who will launch a training film aimed at showing front-line professionals how to recognise signs a child may be suffering from abuse linked to witchcraft and spirit possession.

The DVD has been created as police say this form of abuse is rarely reported, calling it ‘a hidden crime kept within families and faith communities’.

Detective Superintendent Terry Sharpe, from the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “Abuse linked to belief is a horrific crime which is condemned by people of all cultures, communities and faiths.

“A number of high-profile investigations brought the issue of ritual abuse and witchcraft into the headlines but it is important that professionals are clear about the signs to look for.”

He said often those involved genuinely believe the victim has been completely taken over by the devil or an evil spirit, and therefore the actions of those trying to ‘cure’ the child are seen as justified.

DSI Sharpe added: “Regardless of the beliefs of the abusers, child abuse is child abuse.”

Speaking at the conference is Kevani Kanda, a survivor of ritual abuse and presenter of the BBC Three documentary, ‘Branded a Witch’.

She said: “Globalisation means that paranoia over witchcraft and spirit possession is no longer confined to developing nations.

“Belief-related abuse can result in significant physical, emotional harm, neglect, sexual abuse and even death.”

And Mor Dioum, Director at the Victoria Climbié Foundation, founded after the eight-year-old was tortured and killed by her guardians in London in 2000, said she wants to see a National Action Plan across the country.

“It is important that we do not shift the focus from this type of abuse, and essential that we implement the plan, to enable us to put the necessary measures in place to prevent children from death or serious injury as a result of abuse linked to faith or belief,” she said.

“We urge professionals to adopt a more holistic approach with children, young people and families when dealing with abuse that does not fit the norm, as we continue to raise awareness within the community with a view to increase the reporting of harmful practices.”