Out of Darkness: Exploring Satanism and Ritual Abuse

Offering a balanced look at a disturbing phenomenon, an exploration of satanic cults and ritualistic abuse brings together leading researchers in forensic psychiatry, multiple personality disorders, traumatic stress, religious studies--and an FBI agent and survivors of abuse. Original.

Are there satanic cults? If so, how widespread are they? Is there a correlation between "satanism" and child abuse?These difficult questions must be answered every year by thousands of therapists and law enforcement officials. Out of Darkness shows how to understand, evaluate, and treat patients who--real or not--present themselves as victims of satanic cults and ritual abuse.This book takes a very thorough and balanced look at these controversial topics, bringing together leading researchers in forensic psychiatry, dissociative disorders, traumatic stress, and religious studies, as well as an FBI agent and two alleged survivors of ritual abuse.The authors maintain an attitude of both scientific skepticism and clinical empathy in their exploration of these disturbing events. In this comprehensive, compassionate and realistic book they provide** a brief history of actual satanic religions, including religious groups who perform no illegal activities** critical analysis and alternative explanations for the widespread epidemic of claims of ritual abuse** an excellent law-enforcement perspective on allegations of satanic abuse** insight into distinguishing between the various types of children and adults who report having been traumatized by ritual abuse