Possession, Witchcraft and other related spiritual or religious beliefs.
Belief in possession and witchcraft is widespread. It is part of the fabric of modern U.K. culture. It is not confined to new immigrant communities. Staff should read the information given in "Working Together to Safeguard Children" on pages 205 to 206.
Children are harmed by the exorcism practiced on them, which may be life-threatening, but will often at least involve some form of severe physical abuse.
Children who display any of the behaviours such as non-compliance with parental requests, exercising independent thought and action, bed wetting, having nightmares, or who are ill or suffering a disability have been identified by some as "Possessed" or involved in "Witchcraft".
Professionals need to be mindful of the possibilities and to exercise basic safeguarding procedures. It is believed that the the number of instances is very small and therefore, staff must remain child-focused and open minded in going about their work.