The staff members of Relentless Hope, a Utah-based nonprofit organization that provides advocacy and support for victims of sex trafficking and ritual abuse, were poised to celebrate as they heard the news that Ken Ivory’s HB 196 Sexual Abuse Amendments passed the House with a 10-1 vote. Then, it didn’t pass — what? Everyone was scratching their heads, because we had worked so hard to see this bill pass. The bill represented a small victory for justice for the survivors of sex trafficking and ritual abuse. 

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Year after year, this bill has been denied. This year, it was killed at the last minute because of a budgeting issue that should have been resolved before the bill was presented. Suspicious. Could it be that opposition to this bill is within the ranks of the lawmakers? Is it any surprise that there is a ridiculous four-year statute of limitations for filing charges against perpetrators of sex crimes? This statute has essentially protected perpetrators for years, and in too many cases victims have not received justice.

It takes a brave soul to even address this subject. When hearing testimony from the survivors of the abuse, some will leave the room, pass out, or vomit. The abuse is severe, including rape, torture, bestiality, human sacrifice, and cannibalism. The sexual abuse is usually painful, sadistic, and humiliating, intended as a means of gaining dominance over the victim. The abusers subject the victim to rituals or ceremonies dedicated to an entity, usually Satan or Lucifer, whom they refer to as “god.”

Ritual abuse (also known as satanic ritual abuse) is not just a Utah problem, it has been a nationwide problem. Alleged perpetrators are frequently found, according to witness testimony, to be well-known people in leadership positions in government, schools, and even churches. They may even be people you would never suspect because they are very good at blending in. They truly are wolves in sheep’s clothing.

We are instructed in Ephesians 5:11–12 to not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. We must shine a light on this subject, because in the light, the darkness has to flee, and evil forces lose power. 

How can you help? You can pray!

• Pray for ritual abuse to STOP — and intercede especially for the children.
• Pray for the survivors of ritual abuse to come to know Jesus and His love.
• Pray for the passage of legislation that is impossible for perpetrators to hide behind.
• Pray for everyone fighting on behalf of survivors to be safe from attacks of the Enemy.
• Pray for Relentless Hope to receive support from communities and local churches.

If you know anyone affected by ritual abuse, please contact us at [email protected].

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Amethyst Johnson is IFA’s Utah state prayer leader and the communications manager at Relentless Hope. This fledgling Christian organization, founded a year ago, is growing rapidly. It continues to take in survivors on a regular basis, trusting God for help to meet the needs for justice, healing, and salvation. Relentless Hope is seeking church partners to assist in the battle by providing volunteers to help serve this population. Visit the website for more information. Photo Credit: M. on Unsplash.