Abstract
This Critical Commentary examines the widespread use of the metaphor of the witchhunt in relation to child sexual abuse investigations when they are perceived as being unjustified. The use of this metaphor can be seen to be part of a backlash, part of a widespread desire to discredit the evidence that sexual abuse is widespread. However, it is argued here that the metaphor is actually quite apt in the case of the recent wave of convictions of residential care workers, where the methods used have been quite suspect—and genuinely reminiscent in some respects of those used in historic witch hunts. It is suggested that legitimate child protection will ultimately be the loser if this is not addressed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 621-628 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | British Journal of Social Work |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2002 |