Ritualized abuse definedRitualized abuse is repeated, systematic, sadistic, and humiliating trauma to the physical, sexual, spiritual, and/or emotional health of a person which may utilize techniques including, but not limited to, conditioning, mind control, and torture. This abuse rarely consists of a single episode and is perpetrated on children, adolescents, and adults regardless of gender. Ritualized abuse includes -- but is NOT limited to -- cults and other highly organized groups who inflict abuse as either the sole purpose of their gatherings or as part of a larger ritual. Ritualized abuse can be perpetrated by anyone in a real or perceived role of power. The perpetrator(s) may have no connection to a cult at all. The common denominator in all forms of ritualized abuse is that the victim knows beforehand that she/he will be harmed, often knows when, where, and in what specific way she/he will be harmed, and is powerless to prevent, delay, or stop the abuse.
|
|
|