Defined as systematic sexual, physical, and psychological abuse which is carried out over a long period of time, usually against a child. Involving the use of rituals or symbolism, with or without a belief system being present, it usually involves more than one abuser and begins in early childhood; involves using patterns of learning and development to maintain the abusive situation, as well as to ensure the silence of the abused individual.
RITUAL AHUSE: "Ritual abuse is heinous and unforgivable."
