Witchcraft accusation and harmful practices conference
Addressing harm at the intersection of belief and safeguarding
This national conference brings together policing, policy and practice to respond to abuse linked to accusations of witchcraft and related harmful practices, an area where belief, risk and protection often collide.
Date: 22-23 June 2026
Venue: Lancaster University
About the Event
This two-day national conference brings together police professionals, academics, policymakers and practitioners to examine the realities of witchcraft-related abuse, ritual attacks and associated safeguarding challenges.
It focuses on strengthening responses in a complex space where deeply held beliefs can intersect with serious harm.
The conference aims to:
Improve practice through shared learning across policing and partner agencies
Share current research on witchcraft accusations, ritual attacks, and related harms
Highlight leading initiatives, including the WRSPA working group and the International Network Against Accusations of Witchcraft and Ritual Attacks (INAWARA)
Strengthen cross-sector collaboration to support earlier identification, effective investigation, and protection
Support implementation of UN Resolution 47/8 on the Elimination of Harmful Practices Related to Belief in Witchcraft
Who should attend?
This event is designed for those working in strategic and operational roles across:
Policing and law enforcement
Government and public sector agencies
Safeguarding partnerships
Third sector and specialist organisations.
It will be particularly relevant for professionals seeking to improve coordinated responses to complex, belief-related forms of harm.
Registration
The event is free to attend.
Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.
Further details on registration are available via the event organisers: click here.
Details
Organised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Hydrant Programme Witchcraft, Spirit Possession and Ritualistic Abuse (WSPRA) working group, in partnership with the Lancaster Policing Academic Centre of Excellent (L-PACE).