ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on abuse within satanist groups. Ritual abuse evoked considerable interest in Britain between 1987 and 1994. The subject was taken up by many professionals, mainly psychologists, counsellors, and social workers; numerous children thought to be at risk were taken into care. The recognition of the reality of child sexual abuse and its resulting psychological effects enabled adult survivors of satanist ritual abuse to feel some hope that they would be believed. In 1991, Health Secretary Virginia Bottomley appointed an anthropologist, Professor Jean La Fontaine, to research the subjects of organized and ritual abuse. Social workers were instructed not to mention the words "ritual" or "satanic" in any reports regarding child abuse. Most people believe that children and adults are sometimes raped, also that some people are sexually aroused by torture and pornography, and that others practice extortion and blackmail.
