AI therapy boosts disclosures of sexual abuse

A significant uptick in disclosures of ritualistic sexual abuse has prompted experts to raise concerns over underreporting within UK society. This surge, according to researchers, can largely be attributed to advancements in professional training coupled with the increasing use of AI tools such as ChatGPT by survivors seeking support.

Survivors are increasingly using these technologies for therapy and exploration before reaching out to established abuse support groups like NAPAC. While only 14 UK criminal cases since 1982 have officially acknowledged ritualistic practices, experts argue this figure represents just a small fraction of actual incidents. The ritualistic abuse typically involves multiple forms of maltreatment—neglect, violence, and sexual assault—accompanied by ritualistic elements to maintain control over victims.

Perpetrators often come from diverse backgrounds including families, human traffickers, and online networks. Experts stress that this form of abuse is not limited to minority cultures but can be found within white British and privileged families as well. This abuse frequently manifests in intergenerational cycles with both male and female perpetrators involved.

In response to the growing number of disclosures, leading organizations such as the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) have established a specialist working group and launched a new briefing for professionals aimed at improving their ability to identify and handle these complex cases. These initiatives reflect a collective effort to address this underreported issue in UK society.

NAPAC’s CEO, Gabrielle Shaw, highlights the impact of digital resources like ChatGPT on survivor support: “We are seeing an increase in individuals contacting our support line through referrals from AI platforms such as ChatGPT.” This trend underscores the evolving nature of abuse reporting and the importance of integrating modern tools into established support structures.