Safeguarding children controlled through belief in ritual oaths, ‘child witches’ or religious and traditional practices ECPAT UK (2009)

Research and professionals’ experience in the UK shows that child victims of trafficking are controlled through physical and psychological methods. Children often experience threats, violence, physical, emotional and sexual abuse, leaving them feeling powerless and petrified to speak out about their experiences of exploitation. Disclosures  from young people enable an understanding that practices such as the use of rituals, accusations of possession and witchcraft are being used as control methods.

This paper was written by ECPAT UK (October 2009) with special thanks to Eleanor Stobart, The Victoria Climbié Foundation UK and Stepping Stones Nigeria.