AIBU to think performing exorcisms on children is abuse?

[Anonimoose]

Someone I know has done this to their 10 and 11 year olds. I feel rather uneasy about it. AIBU?

[plutonimum]

Thank goodness. I was about to post a reminder about Victoria Climbie too, but cariadlet beat me to it.

It sends a horrible message to the children about their worth, and could demoralise them for good, as Toptack said.

[whois]

Any parent that beloved they need to perform an exorcism on their child is completely unfit to be a parent. It is absolu-fricking-loutly child abuse.

[Anonimoose]

I contacted the children's school instead. The headteacher was pleasant, thanked me and said they would pass the concerns on. He didn't look surprised so I guess they probably have concerns too.

[Juniper44]

What did the NSPCC say, Anonimoose?

Definitely abuse. Definitely deserving of a call to SS.

[Mrsjayy]

More than likely what you said would absolutely be seen as abuse in the uk

[LadyCuntingtonThe3rd]

It really does sound like catholic christening. As I remember from one I attended, the child was "born sinful and needed cleansing".

[keeptothewhiteline]

I caught my sister trying to exorcise my children. She also sprinkles my house with holy water when she thinks I am not looking.

[littlehouseinthebigwoods]

How did you get on anonimoose? Thinking of you in this difficult situation.

[Anonimoose]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll phone the NSPCC tommorow and see what they advise.

[BlowingThroughTheJasmineinMyMi]

reported for "other" stuff so there is more?

nspcc?

a child with SN going thru this?

do you know the problems with SN can you call the direct charity

[Anonimoose]

That's awful Toptack

[BlowingThroughTheJasmineinMyMi]

its awful and hideous and quite mad too.

what normal people would do this to their child?

i would report it.

[Anonimoose]

I have reported them several times for other stuff but nothing ever gets done im pretty sure CS are convinced I'm a time waster. I will have a think about the best course of action.

[Toptack]

I know. It all seemed so strange at the time, but we trusted these parents and church leaders (just a run of the mill C of E church, BTW) to do right thing. Now, with an adult's perspective on the events, it beggars belief.

[Toptack]

A friend of mine was 'exorcised' by members of the church we both attended in our teens. He consented to the procedure in an attempt to control his behavioural issues; in retrospect he was suffering from fairly severe mental health problems. Of course it didn't make any positive difference and only served to exacerbated the situation, as it led him to believe he was beyond help. Things rapidly spiralled out of control and my friend died of a drug overdose, alone in a car park, in his early twenties. I have never forgiven his family or the church for failing him so spectacularly, or myself for not somehow intervening. Please make the call.

[Anonimoose]

MrsBojingles I'm sorry you went through that

[TiredButFine]

There' has been a lot of awareness campaigns for the NHS/SS about this type of thing, there's a good chance professionals will take it seriously and understand. In particular in muslim communities there has been campaigns to highlight that what used to be seen as a "jinn" can often be mental ill health rather than an evil spirit.
If one child has SN then surely the family are known to SS who will take it seriously, please make the call.

[Onedayinthesun]

OP why did the parents think it was ok to tell you about this? They clearly feel this is absolutely normal behaviour. This is abuse and they need reporting, please tell ss

[Anonimoose]

dublingirl653 strangely enough it happened around 12/1 am on wed and Thurs.

[dublingirl653]

i am CONVINCED this was happening next door in the very early hours of thur morning

so so scary
the screechs and sobs from the young person was terrifing
neighbours range the police

[Anonimoose]

Is that a daft fear?

[imip]

Could you tell their school? Perhaps they could report?