Operation Sacred Ground: Investigating harmful ritual practices, witchcraft accusations and safeguarding gaps
by INAWARA
Operation Sacred Ground – Investigating Harmful Ritual Practices
On 1st April 2026, we hosted Operation Sacred Ground, a practitioner-led session dedicated to examining the complex intersection of witchcraft accusations, harmful ritual practices and critical safeguarding gaps.
Led by Dr. Keith Silika, a former police officer and current Lecturer in Policing, the event drew on extensive operational experience and academic research. Dr. Silika explored how belief systems can unfortunately become sites of significant harm, particularly for children and vulnerable adults, when accusations escalate into abuse or violence.
The session introduced a structured investigative lens for professionals, focusing on how to recognise early indicators of ritual-related harm while navigating sensitive cultural contexts. Participants explored ways to improve multi-agency responses and gain operational confidence without criminalising faith or culture.
📺 Watch the session
Missed the live talk? You can now watch the full presentation:
