Witchcraft, spirit possession and ritualistic abuse (WSPRA) in serious case reviews
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) have published a learning briefing on case reviews involving witchcraft, spirit possession and ritualistic abuse in England and Wales. The briefing summarises learning from nine case reviews and aims to support multi-agency practitioners in recognising risks and improving safeguarding responses. Key learning points in the briefing include: promote professional curiosity and avoid assumptions based on cultural norms; training is needed for professionals to sensitively explore religious and spiritual beliefs, without colluding with harmful practices; and trauma informed practice is essential, especially in culturally complex contexts.