Story perspectives

UK Faces Underreporting Crisis in Ritualistic Abuse Cases

3/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) report underreporting of ritualistic abuse in the UK.
Over the past 40 years, only 14 convictions acknowledged ritualistic practices.
The 2005 Victoria Climbie case, tortured and killed after witchcraft accusations, highlights severity.
Experts urge urgent safeguarding training to help professionals recognize abuse in closed networks, with improved police communication.

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Story summary

National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) report underreporting of ritualistic abuse in the UK.
Over the past 40 years, only 14 convictions acknowledged ritualistic practices.
The 2005 Victoria Climbie case, tortured and killed after witchcraft accusations, highlights severity.
Experts urge urgent safeguarding training to help professionals recognize abuse in closed networks, with improved police communication.