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used for deterring such crime. This is particularly true with regard to young people who band
together for commission of crimes. Groups of this nature should elicit a response based upon
recent efforts and experience in dealing with youth gangs.
Debate about the extent and nature of ritual crime is bound to persist. It is hoped that the
work of this task force will provide an enhanced basis for evaluating these questions while
offering constructive suggestions for resolving problems that they represent.
Findings
Misconceptions about ritual crime are pervasive.
Among the general population and professionals who are in a position to come into contact
with perpetrators or victims of ritual crime, there are many inconsistent beliefs and
impressions. Misinformation about the values, goals, and activities of various minority belief
systems is common and has significant impact on popular perceptions regarding ritual crime
Evidence is insufficient to establish the existence of any major conspiracy or
organized criminal network based upon an occult or spiritual belief system.
The cumulative evidence, derived from a comprehensive investigation of ritual crime in the
Commonwealth of Virginia, has not uncovered or indicated any network of ritual crime.
Unpopular belief systems are erroneously associated with criminal behavior.
Where indicia of unconventional, and particularly less popular, belief systems are uncovered
in the possession of one who is accused of a criminal act, this is frequently cited as evidence
of ritual crime. More often than not, no direct link is shown to exist between the beliefs and
the crime. This reaction results in characterization of certain criminal acts as occult-based
when in fact they are not.
Criminal activity that might reasonably be associated with belief systems consists
primarily of minor property crimes and is committed largely by “dabblers.”
In the vast majority of cases where the available evidence is sufficient to establish some link
between criminal behavior and a spiritual belief system, the crimes consist of trespassing,
graffiti, and vandalism. Generally these crimes are relatively minor and are perpetrated on or
against abandoned property, this resulting in low damage costs. Such evidence does not
conclusively disprove the existence of more serious crime.
Existing criminal statutes in Virginia are adequate to address dangerous conduct
that may result from participation in unconventional belief systems.
Dangerous activities that are alleged to be associated with or motivated by spiritual belief
systems are prohibited by existing criminal statutes in the Commonwealth. Amendment to the
criminal code in response to ritual crime is therefore unnecessary.
The ritual crime phenomenon has its greatest overt impact in the field of mental
health.
Whether true or not, there are numerous allegations of ritual crime that evidence real
suffering. Many claims of ritual crime apparently have as their basis real, and often severe,
abuse (whether ritually related or otherwise). Regardless of the veracity of patients claiming
ritual abuse, therapists should be sensitive to such claims while approaching treatment with
an objective stance.
Recommendations
In the interest of addressing widespread concerns regarding the possible dangers of ritualistic
crime the task force offers the following recommendations. These recommendations are
intended to reflect a rational approach to a real concern. Where hysteria or fanaticism is

Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 8, No. 2, 1991, Page 92
interjected, however, the recommended actions tend to defeat the interests of law
enforcement agencies, schools, therapists, and society in general.
Recommendation: That the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services develop
a model curriculum addressing ritual crime for Virginia’s law enforcement officers.
DCJS should develop a standard curriculum in aid of law enforcement officers that could be
utilized on a statewide basis to enhance awareness of ritualistic crime and to suggest
appropriate responses to it. This would provide a uniform source of information in lieu of the
multitude of diverse, often conflicting, and sometimes irrelevant information disseminated by
training courses and seminars given throughout the state by numerous organizations and
interest groups. Assistance of Crime Commission staff in development of this curriculum
should be sought where practical and necessary. Appropriate subjects to be addressed
include:
*Constitutional prerogatives relating to the right to assemble and to engage in the peaceful
practice of religious beliefs where such beliefs do not abridge neutral criminal statutes.
*Sections within Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia that address commonly alleged ritual
crimes but with which many law enforcement officers may be unfamiliar. (Examples
include sections 18.2-403.1(1), 18.2-403.2(3), 3.1-796.113, 3.1-796.122, 18.2-97, 18.2-
125, 18.2-126, 18.2-127, 18.2-138, 18.2-144, 18.2-323.)
*The need to maintain normal techniques and standards in the investigation and
prosecution of allegations involving ritual crime.
*The type of specific evidence at crime scenes that may suggest ritual activity.
Recommendation: That the Crime Commission’s continued research on youth gangs
be tracked and reviewed for findings and ultimate recommendations.
The forming of gangs by young people for purposes of pursuing criminal objectives needs to
be addressed in unique fashion. The on-going study on youth gang activity by the Crime
Commission should yield recommendations that are equally applicable to criminal behavior by
all youth gangs regardless of the motivating philosophy or belief system.
Recommendation: That the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental
Retardation and Substance Abuse Services coordinate continued research efforts
relating to the ramifications of ritual abuse in the mental health field.
Continued research into the relationships between psychological illness and participation in
dangerous ritualistic practices should be encouraged. The limited clinical research findings
presently available, while not substantiating causal links, have established factors that appear
to be associated with dangerous practices and that may aid in the treatment of individuals
who fall prey to these activities. Such research should focus on development of a clearer
understanding of perpetrators of ritualistic practices, evidence of treatable psychological
illness (including Multiple Personality Disorder and related conditions), and the roles that
various agencies may assume in practical intervention. The Virginia Department of Mental
Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services should assume a leading role in
coordinating this continued study of the causes, effects, and treatment of ritual abuse.
Recommendation: That law enforcement personnel act in cooperation with
appropriate agencies in the investigation and prosecution of claims involving ritual
abuse of persons.
As in any case involving allegations of abuse against children, law enforcement interaction
with state and local agencies is necessary. In cases of systematic or on-going abuse effective
prosecution demands a cooperative relationship between investigators on the one hand and