Written question asked by Baroness Warsi (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Morgan of Drefelin (Labour) on Thursday, 12 February 2009.

Child Protection: Witchcraft

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extent of child abuse related to accusations of possession or witchcraft.

Answer: The Department for Education and Skills commissioned research in 2005 looking at the extent, nature and geographical spread of child abuse linked to accusations of ““possession”” or ““witchcraft””. This research, published in June 2006, analysed 38 cases involving 47 children, reported between 2000 and 2005. In light of this research, guidance on ““Safeguarding Children from Abuse Linked to a Belief in Spirit Possession”” was published in May 2007.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1351; 707 c217WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Child Protection: Witchcraft
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Children Abuse Superstition
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk