New Amber Project Launched to Tackle Witchcraft-Linked Abuse
A major new initiative aimed at fighting abuse linked to witchcraft and spirit possession launches today. The Amber Project offers vital training on spotting abuse and making referrals to the authorities.
Met Police Join Forces with Experts
The project is a collaboration between the Met Police, Redbridge Borough, the Universities of Chester and Cambridge, and Barnardo’s National Female Genital Mutilation Centre. Inspector Allen Davis, from Crime and Vulnerability, warned:
“The knowledge and awareness of these offences are not where they should be. Many professionals miss cases or wrongly diagnose them, often blaming mental health issues or delusions instead of abuse.”
He added, “We need a strong, coordinated response so this taboo topic becomes openly tackled rather than hidden.”
Breaking Taboos Around Witchcraft and Abuse
Dr Naomi Richman of Cambridge University explained the challenge:
“Beliefs in witchcraft and possession are common worldwide and rarely linked to harm. The Amber Project helps professionals navigate cultural sensitivities while flagging abuse without reinforcing damaging stereotypes.”
Often accused individuals face serious abuse, with Covid-19 adding to tensions and risks amid rising social upheaval. The project stresses witchcraft here does not mean the Wicca religion, which views witchcraft positively.
Training Aims and Wider Impact
- The Amber Project runs online webinars explaining this complex abuse.
- Sessions include Q&As for safeguarding experts from faith groups, schools, Home Office, local councils, NGOs and more.
- Since October 2020, hundreds of professionals have trained in the programme.
- Today marks the official public launch with over 400 attendees expected.
The push comes as the UN recently passed a historic resolution targeting human rights violations linked to witchcraft accusations — signalling growing global attention on this hidden abuse.
