Satanic panic

Satanic Panic

The Satanic Panic was a widespread moral panic that occurred primarily during the 1980s and early 1990s, characterized by widespread fear about the presence of Satanic ritual abuse (SRA) and other occult activities. This phenomenon was marked by allegations of widespread Satanic ritual abuse, often involving children, and was fueled by media coverage, sensationalist books, and the involvement of law enforcement and mental health professionals.

Background

The roots of the Satanic Panic can be traced back to the cultural and social changes of the 1960s and 1970s, which saw a rise in interest in the occult, as well as the emergence of new religious movements. The publication of books such as "Michelle Remembers" in 1980, which claimed to document recovered memories of Satanic ritual abuse, played a significant role in sparking public concern.

Key Events

McMartin Preschool Trial

One of the most notable cases associated with the Satanic Panic was the McMartin preschool trial, which began in 1983 in Manhattan Beach, California. The trial involved allegations of sexual abuse at a preschool, with claims that the abuse was part of Satanic rituals. The case became the longest and most expensive criminal trial in American history, ultimately resulting in no convictions.

Day Care Sexual Abuse Hysteria

Similar to the McMartin case, numerous day care centers across the United States were accused of being sites of Satanic ritual abuse. These cases often involved questionable interviewing techniques with children, leading to false allegations and convictions.

Role of the Media

The media played a crucial role in spreading the panic, with sensationalist reporting and talk shows featuring supposed experts on Satanic cults. Shows like "Geraldo Rivera's Satanic special" in 1988 contributed to the hysteria by presenting unverified claims as fact.

Psychological and Social Factors

The Satanic Panic was fueled by a combination of psychological and social factors, including the use of recovered memory therapy, which often led to the creation of false memories. The panic also reflected broader societal anxieties about child safety, the breakdown of traditional family structures, and the influence of new cultural movements.

Criticism and Decline

By the early 1990s, skepticism about the validity of the allegations began to grow. Investigations revealed that many of the claims were based on unreliable testimony and flawed investigative techniques. The FBI conducted a study that found no evidence of organized Satanic ritual abuse. As a result, the panic gradually subsided, although its impact on those falsely accused and convicted was profound.

Legacy

The Satanic Panic had lasting effects on the legal system, mental health practices, and public perception of child abuse. It led to changes in how child abuse cases are investigated and highlighted the dangers of moral panics and mass hysteria.

Also see

• Moral panic
• Recovered memory therapy
• False memory syndrome
• McMartin preschool trial
• Day care sexual abuse hysteria