Results: Thousands of children in England accused of witchcraft in past decade
Published on 02/25/2025
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Thousands of children in England have been accused of witchcraft over the past decade, according to new figures that come alongside a film released on Monday. Faith-based abuse is a worldwide phenomenon but experts found 14,000 social work evaluations linked to witchcraft accusations since 2015. In the year running to March 2024 alone, there were 2,180 evaluations linked to witchcraft. Are you surprised at the amount of witchcraft accusations against children?
Yes
63%
1776 votes
No
17%
479 votes
Undecided
19%
545 votes
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The statistics, compiled by the National FGM Centre, come as the film Kindoki Witch Boy is released, telling the story of Mardoche Yembi, 33, who was accused of witchcraft as a child growing up in north London and subjected to an exorcism. Its release date also marks the 25th anniversary of the death of Victoria Climbié, an eight-year-old girl who was tortured after accusations of witchcraft were levelled against her. Do you believe that exorcisms and similar rituals should be banned when linked to child abuse allegations? Yes, they should be completely banned to protect children
56%
1554 votes
No, they are a cultural practice that should be respected
6%
171 votes
They should be regulated but not banned entirely
11%
298 votes
Unsure
26%
731 votes
Other (please specify)
2%
46 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.14% | 32 | |
| ... | 0.04% | 1 |
| Exorcisms should be banned against all ages. | 0.04% | 1 |
| It depends on if the child is actually possessed by an evil spirit or not. | 0.04% | 1 |
| Zzzz | 0.04% | 1 |
| n/a | 0.04% | 1 |
| hghftvy | 0.04% | 1 |
| NA | 0.04% | 1 |
| Only if they are not real ones. | 0.04% | 1 |
| not commenting | 0.04% | 1 |
| I don't believe in any of this hogwash. | 0.04% | 1 |
| Need more information | 0.04% | 1 |
| Kick them out of Europe | 0.04% | 1 |
| Exorcism done by a qualified , sanctioned by the churchCatholic priest is | 0.04% | 1 |
| If the child is possessed they need to receive the proper care and if they don't get that care that should be considered child abuse! etc. | 0.04% | 1 |
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Do you believe that witchcraft is real in general? Yes
27%
762 votes
No
41%
1161 votes
Undecided
31%
877 votes
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Should social work evaluations related to witchcraft accusations be prioritized by the government? Yes, to protect children from harm and exploitation
44%
1232 votes
No, there are more pressing issues to focus on
24%
685 votes
Unsure
32%
883 votes
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