Exclusive: ‘Witchcraft, spirit possession and spiritual abuse’ offending typified by sexual abuse, violence and neglect
ChatGPT is driving a rise in reports of organised ritual abuse, UK experts have said, as survivors of “satanic” sexual violence use the AI tool for therapy.
Police say organised ritual abuse and “witchcraft, spirit possession and spiritual abuse” (WSPRA) against children is under-reported in the UK. There is no modern-day charge that covers it specifically, but such offending is typified by sexual abuse, violence and neglect involving ritualistic elements – sometimes inspired by satanism, fascism or esoteric religious beliefs – to control victims.
Perpetrators include abusive families and networks, human traffickers, online gangs and paedophile rings.
There have been 14 UK criminal cases since 1982 in which ritualistic practices in sexual abuse were acknowledged. However, 2025 research by clinical psychologist Dr Elly Hanson found convictions reflected the “tip of the iceberg”.
