This informal CPD article Abuse Linked to Accusations of Witchcraft and Spiritual Possession and how it is used to Control and Coerce People into Slavery and Trafficking was provided by Palm Cove Society, which provides supported accommodation and activities which benefit communities.
The use of cultural superstitions or occult rituals is a powerful means of control for human trafficking and modern slavery across the world. Even within our own society we often refer to the term of ‘witch’ or ‘magic’ as being something quite sinister or evil when in fact these practises or beliefs by people are often for good such as alternative healing remedies. There are, however, people in the world that take such beliefs and turn them against those that are dedicated to them to then exploit, traffic, and enslave through domestic servitude, labour, sex work or criminality.
In some countries a person is often forcibly taken through fear of violence or duress, to someone who claims to a ‘witchdoctor’ where they have hair, nail clippings, skin and even blood taken from them and bound to a ‘promise’ or ‘oath’ that they will do as is being instructed. If they do not agree, they face acts of violence or worse, and by agreeing, they become bound to uphold that promise that often includes forms of exploitation.
It is well recorded that women in Nigeria and Ghana are targeted by organised crime gangs or OCG’s for their beliefs in JUJU magic, taken for such rituals against their will and then trafficked through Sicily and Italy for the purpose of sexual exploitation. More recently, we are finding people being trafficked more from Brazil into the UK using their own beliefs of black magic including ‘Santeria’ or ‘Hoodoo’ against them, to control them into various forms of exploitation.
Unlike people who have been trafficked through deception of an opportunity to earn money with employment in the UK, or simply through fear of violence, these people are bound by their own belief, which their abusers use against them, to do whatever is demanded, and for however long the abuser wants. The bond or promise they make with the witchdoctor often includes not talking or disclosing to anyone about the ritual they have been subjected to for fear of sickness or ‘thunder’ coming to them, and their loved ones, which means they are not easily ever going to tell you about it.
We all as human beings believe in different things whether it be not walking under ladders, black cats, not putting shoes on the table, throwing salt over our shoulder, and even saying ‘bless you’ after someone sneezes. These are traditions, beliefs and even superstitions passed down through time and generations of family that are firmly embedded within us. To be told to ‘not believe’ in what we choose to is unacceptable and also a breach of our human rights. It is also not something we can just stop believing in. In the same respect, people with beliefs in witchcraft and magic cannot be told to stop believing in these either, and to try and suggest to them would never be of benefit to anyone, least of all the person trying to help them through their trauma. Key communication techniques is vitally important to ensure the safeguarding of people who are abused owing to their beliefs.
Training, awareness and understanding of this form of abuse and how it linked to other abuses including Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking is so important within our multicultural and diverse society here in the UK.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Palm Cove Society, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
