ABSTRACT
Ritual abuse is the abuse of a child, weaker adult, or animal in a ritual setting or manner. In a broad sense, many of overtly or covertly socially sanctioned actions can be seen as ritual abuse, such as military basic training, hazing, racism, spanking children, and partner-battering. The term “cult” is often used to describe certain visible religious or ideological groups that attempt to practice mind control. Conway and Siegelman’s 1978 book “Snapping” details effects of brainwashing, or mind control, attempts in visible cults. The consensus among professionals who have treated and studied people with dissociative disorders is that the vast majority have suffered severe, and often secretive, childhood trauma—usually, but not always, child abuse. This abuse often involves both betrayal and secrecy. Appropriate treatment for dissociative disorders requires additional knowledge, skills, and training beyond the basics required for general psychotherapy.
