ABSTRACT
Abuse of children is perpetrated in a wide variety of contexts. It occurs in all cultures and countries. Measuring its breadth and impact is challenging and its occurrence in different contexts is unevenly documented. At the extreme, children die or suffer irreversible life-changing physical injuries, as the direct result of phenomena such as their carers' or a faith community's belief in spirit possession or in the need to trust to God alone for recovery from illness. Religion is, however, significant in determining the ways in which some people interpret events, resolve dilemmas, make decisions and view themselves, their own and others' actions and how they respond to these. Religious institutions have developed policies at very different speeds and implementation of them has not always been consistent. The needs, strengths and responses of each victim/survivor are a unique result of the interaction of many factors.
