ChatGPT driving rise in reports of satanic' organised ritual abuse, UK experts say

"Over the last six months to a year, we're getting people contacting the Napac support line saying: I was referred to you by ChatGPT'. People are using AI, ChatGPT as a form of therapy and exploration. There are mixed feelings about that, but if it's a route into support, that has to be a good thing. We would normally see spikes in calls around days that have significant supernatural or religious overtones but this is not a spike it's a sustained rise."

"Organised ritual abuse and witchcraft, spirit possession and spiritual abuse (WSPRA) against children is under-reported in the UK. There is no modern-day charge that covers it specifically, but such offending is typified by sexual abuse, violence and neglect involving ritualistic elements sometimes inspired by satanism, fascism or esoteric religious beliefs to control victims. Perpetrators include abusive families and networks, human traffickers, online gangs and paedophile rings."

UK experts report a sustained rise in organised ritual abuse reports, with ChatGPT playing a significant role as survivors use the AI tool for therapy and exploration. Organised ritual abuse and witchcraft-related crimes against children remain under-reported in the UK, lacking a specific modern criminal charge despite involving sexual abuse, violence, and neglect with ritualistic elements inspired by satanism, fascism, or esoteric beliefs. Perpetrators include abusive families, traffickers, online gangs, and paedophile rings. Only 14 UK criminal cases since 1982 have acknowledged ritualistic practices in sexual abuse. Recent research suggests this represents minimal documented cases. The National Police Chiefs' Council has established a specialist working group and is rolling out police training. Napac reports sustained increases in ritual abuse reports over 18 months, with people specifically citing ChatGPT referrals, representing a shift beyond typical seasonal spikes in such reports.

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