UK experts have reported a surge in disclosures of organised and ritual abuse, driven in part by survivors using ChatGPT for therapy. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) says there has been a 'sustained rise' in calls over the past 18 months, with an increasing number of people citing the AI tool as their reason for coming forward.
Chief executive Gabrielle Shaw noted that callers have said, 'I was referred to you by ChatGPT,' as they use the technology to explore their experiences. While Shaw expressed mixed feelings about AI therapy, she acknowledged it could be a valuable route into professional support. The trend marks a shift from previous spikes around supernatural or religious dates, now becoming a steady increase.
Police describe 'witchcraft, spirit possession and spiritual abuse' (WSPRA) as under-reported, with no specific modern charge covering it. Offending involves sexual abuse, violence and neglect with ritualistic elements, sometimes inspired by satanism, fascism or esoteric beliefs, to control victims. Perpetrators include abusive families, human traffickers, online gangs and paedophile rings.
A 2025 review by clinical psychologist Dr Elly Hanson found that only 14 UK criminal cases since 1982 have acknowledged ritualistic practices in sexual abuse, calling convictions the 'tip of the iceberg'. In response, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has set up a specialist working group and is rolling out training for police forces, alongside a new WSPRA briefing for professionals.
Richard Fewkes, director of the Hydrant Programme, said the 'fantastical' nature of ritual elements has contributed to a justice gap, stressing that such abuse 'does exist' but is not being reported to police. Hanson added that victims grow up in 'regimes of cruelty', but the truth is lost between disbelief and conspiracy theories, noting that abuse occurs across all cultures, including within white British, often privileged families.
