Believe or Disbelieve? With Particular Reference to Satanist Abuse

Believing or disbelieving allegations of Satanist abuse, whether recounted by children or by adults in later life, is discussed. The issue reflects a similar situation in the recent past relating to believing, or not, the accounts of other forms of abuse. Attention is drawn to the need for a base for treatment. Such an underpinning would inter alia lead to ways in practice of helping fearful children and older people recalling events of bizarre and ritualistic forms. Paradoxical situations are pointed out. For instance, while there is the requirement to protect children from significant harm, the allegations may be beyond belief; and, while harm may be denied, the allegations may be confirmed as true. Different professional groups take alternative pathways to elucidating truth and different procedures follow. Social workers, counsellors and therapists may need to act in a climate of suspended belief. Disturbed perception, memory and meaning may still be distressful in the want of evidence.