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[FCE] ChatGPT driving rise in reports of ‘satanic’ organised ritual abuse, UK experts say

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UK experts are reporting a significant and unsettling rise in cases of organised ritual abuse. Surprisingly, this concerning trend is being linked to the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, which are helping survivors come forward to seek support.

Police in the UK have long acknowledged that organised ritual abuse, often referred to as ‘witchcraft, spirit possession, and spiritual abuse’ (WSPRA), is severely under-reported. This horrific form of abuse is characterised by severe physical and sexual violence, neglect, and ritualistic components. These elements, frequently drawing from sources like satanism, fascism, or obscure religious beliefs, are primarily used to control victims. Perpetrators vary widely, including abusive family members, human traffickers, online gangs, and paedophile rings.

A crucial new development concerns how survivors are increasingly finding avenues for support. Gabrielle Shaw, CEO of the National Association of People Abused in Childhood (Napac), states that her organisation has observed a sustained increase in ritual abuse reports over the past 18 months. Crucially, a growing number of individuals report being led to support services after using AI tools, such as ChatGPT, for personal exploration or therapeutic purposes. While the use of AI for therapy remains a topic of mixed opinions, its ability to help people access vital support is widely regarded as a positive step.

Despite the extreme nature of these crimes, convictions have historically been rare. Since 1982, only 14 criminal cases in the UK have formally recognised ritualistic practices. However, research conducted by clinical psychologist Dr Elly Hanson suggests that these documented cases represent merely the ‘tip of the iceberg’. A key challenge contributing to this lack of justice is the ‘fantastical’ nature of some ritual elements, which can make them difficult for the legal system to accept and prosecute effectively.

In response to this growing awareness, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) is now spearheading specialised training initiatives for police forces. Organisations like Napac and the Hydrant policing programme are also actively working to enhance how professionals handle WSPRA cases. The abuse is understood to be intergenerational and transcends various demographics, affecting individuals even within seemingly privileged white British families, thereby challenging common stereotypes about its prevalence. This situation highlights a hidden societal problem now gradually coming to light, partly through unexpected technological means.

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1. What is the main purpose of the article?

  • A. To explain the legal difficulties in prosecuting ritual abuse cases in the UK.
  • B. To highlight the unexpected role of AI in bringing hidden ritual abuse cases to light.
  • C. To detail the various forms of abuse and types of perpetrators involved in WSPRA.
  • D. To announce new training programmes for police handling ritual abuse investigations.

2. According to the article, which of the following is a characteristic feature of organised ritual abuse (WSPRA)?

  • A. It primarily affects disadvantaged communities and is rarely found in affluent families.
  • B. It involves ritualistic elements derived solely from obscure religious beliefs.
  • C. It often combines physical and sexual violence with methods of control.
  • D. It is always perpetrated by online gangs or human traffickers.

3. The article implies that AI tools like ChatGPT are considered beneficial because they:

  • A. can replace traditional therapy services for survivors of abuse.
  • B. are helping more survivors to overcome their fears and seek help.
  • C. provide a secure platform for reporting abuse directly to authorities.
  • D. offer immediate legal advice and support to victims of WSPRA.

4. In the phrase “these documented cases represent merely the ‘tip of the iceberg'”, what does ‘tip of the iceberg’ mean?

  • A. The most extreme examples of a larger, hidden problem.
  • B. The initial reports that suggest the full scale of the issue.
  • C. The visible part of a problem, with a much larger portion remaining unseen.
  • D. The easiest cases for the legal system to identify and prosecute.

5. How does the article challenge common stereotypes about organised ritual abuse?

  • A. By revealing that it is a new phenomenon mainly driven by online activity.
  • B. By showing that AI tools are primarily used by younger victims in therapy.
  • C. By stating that it affects a wide range of people, including privileged families.
  • D. By suggesting that its prevalence is declining due to increased awareness.