Event overview
Discover how the unreliability of memory has led to grave miscarriages of justice, including panics about Satanic abuse. Some deeply disturbing cases will be investigated.
The Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit (APRU) at Goldsmiths, in collaboration the British Humanist Association's Centre for Inquiry UK, present a one-day conference on false memories and satanic panics, featuring presentations by Prof Chris French (Head of the APRU), Dr James Ost (Reader in Applied Cognitive Psychology, University of Portsmouth), Barbara Hewson (senior barrister practising at 1 Gray’s Inn Square), and Dr Kevin Felstead (British False Memory Society.
10.30 - 11.00 - Registration
11.00 - 12.15 - Chris French and James Ost - 'What people believe about memory that ain’t necessarily so'
Surveys show that a large proportion of the general public hold many beliefs about memory that are just plain wrong. Even more worrying, so do psychotherapists, psychologists, and professionals involved in legal services, a situation that can lead to miscarriages of justice. Chris French and James Ost summarise our current understanding of the nature of memory. (NB: This presentation includes a quiz for you to assess your own level of understanding - so bring pen and paper!)"
12.15 - 13.15 - Barbara Hewson - 'False memories, false accusations and torture: Satan’s work?'
A recent case about alleged satanic ritual abuse in the Family Division highlights the dangers of not learning lessons from history. But it also confirms that to instil false memories of abuse can amount to torture, contrary to Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This is also a heinous wrong. So the stakes could not be higher for professionals working to prevent abuse, but also false allegations of abuse. Britain’s mounting obsession with historic abuse allegations (dubbed “Paedogeddon” by critics), coupled with political demands to give victims greater rights, risk brushing common sense away to keep monsters at bay. How can the law fight back, to ensure justice can be done?
13.15 - 14.15 - Lunch
14.15 - 15.15 - Kevin Felstead - When Satan Came to Town – Carol Felstead: a true story of false memories
After visiting her doctor about a headache, Carol was subjected to hypnotic therapy, sedated and brainwashed, Carol’s childhood memories were eradicated and her mind was re-ordered. Assigned a new identity, Carol fell into the iron grip of a string of psychotherapists who obsessed about ritual abuse. A myth was created which helped stoke the entire Satanic Abuse Panic in the United Kingdom.
15.30 - Close
(Photo: Wikipedia/Creative Commons; design: Lauren Wade)
APRU/CFI UK event: Searching for Satan
Dates & times
| Date | Time | Add to calendar |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Jun 2015 | 10:30am - 3:30pm |
Accessibility
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