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Welcome back to the Witch Hunt Podcast. This is episode 2 in the The Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft Belief. If you're just joining us, we recommend checking out Part 1 first, though this episode can certainly stand on its own.
This marks the continuation of our conversation with Professor Richard Raiswell of the University of Prince Edward Island, who previously joined us for our fascinating "Speak of the Devil" episode where we explored Satan as one of history's most enduring and complex figures.
In Part 1 of we began examining the critical relationship that developed between demons and witchcraft specifically in the 15th century. Now in Part 2, we'll delve deeper into how this connection became the driving force behind the witch hunts that devastated communities across Europe.
Professor Raiswell continues to guide us through how theological concepts about Satan evolved into specific accusations and persecution mechanisms. His expertise in medieval devil lore brings clarity to one of history's darkest chapters.
Remember, both parts of this special episode are available now wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for joining us as we continue this chilling and fascinating exploration of how demonology fueled witch persecution. Both Part 1 and Part 2 are available now wherever you get your podcasts.
Go to Part 1
Richard Raiswell
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We have a special treat for our listeners this week - not one but two new episodes dropping simultaneously! Today marks the return of Professor Richard Raiswell of the University of Prince Edward Island, who previously joined us for our fascinating "Speak of the Devil" episode where we explored Satan as one of history's most enduring and complex figures.
In this two-part special The Evolution of Diabolical Witchcraft Belief Professor Raiswell takes us deeper into the dark intersection where demonology meets witch persecution. We'll explore the critical relationship that developed between demons and witchcraft specifically in the 15th century - a connection that would become the driving force behind the witch hunts.
If you enjoyed our previous exploration of devil lore, these episodes are essential listening, as Professor Raiswell helps us understand how theological concepts about Satan evolved into specific accusations and persecution mechanisms.
Both Part 1 and Part 2 are available now wherever you get your podcasts.
Richard RaiswellShop our Nonprofit Bookshop for: The Routledge History of the Devil in the Western Tradition
Purchase the Malleus Maleficarum: The Hammer of Witches, translated by Christopher S. MacKay
Help Us Build Our New Patreon Community for The Thing About Salem Podcast
Check out our new podcast: The Thing About Salem on youtube!
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Are you curious about the Salem Witch Trials? Fascinated? Intrigued? Maybe even fully obsessed? Josh and Sarah from Witch Hunt podcast bring you The Thing About Salem, a podcast dedicated to uncovering all things about the Salem Witch Trials. Each week, in 15 minutes or less, we go through all the feels as we share a story and a discussion. Together, we will cry, rage, and even laugh a little about some of the silliness, like the witch cake baked with the urine of the afflicted girls. Early topics include Tituba, The Crucible, poppets, the witches' sabbath, and witch marks. In future episodes, we will peel back all the layers of the witch trials.Visit us at aboutsalem.com
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In his return to Witch Hunt Podcast, Antonio Stuckey joins hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack to discuss his research and book "Sober and Civil," chronicling the remarkable life of Salem witch trials survivor Sarah Cloyse. As the younger sister of executed victims Rebecca Nurse and Mary Esty, Sarah Cloyse's nine-month imprisonment represents a powerful chapter in Massachusetts witch trial history—one with personal significance to both hosts, who count her among their ancestors.
Antonio shares how his focused research through court documents and historical records revealed the multidimensional woman behind the accusation—the same figure who inspired the PBS miniseries "Three Sovereigns for Sarah." The conversation explores Sarah's defining act of defiance when she walked out of church slamming the door behind her, her complex first marriage to the dispute-prone Edmund Bridges, and her second husband Peter Cloyse's unwavering loyalty during her imprisonment.
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Anthropologist Dr. Nora Groce from University College London discusses the troubling connection between disability and witchcraft accusations. Dr. Groce shares her research on why people with disabilities are targeted, including her study on the experience of persons with albinism in East Africa. We explore how traditional beliefs create stigma, discuss the global disability rights movement, and examine community-based solutions to protect vulnerable populations. This conversation will inform you on lesser-understood human rights issues related to witchcraft accusations worldwide.
Buy Book: Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language: Hereditary Deafness on Martha's Vineyard Co-Authored by Nora Groce
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Prof. Nora Groce on World Disability Day
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In this scholarly episode of Witch Hunt Podcast, hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack welcome historian Dr. Michael Ostling to examine one of witchcraft history's most persistent legends: the hallucinogenic flying ointment.
Dr. Ostling carefully separates historical evidence from modern misconceptions, revealing how contemporary interpretations often reflect our own misogynistic projections rather than the experiences of those accused of witchcraft. Through thoughtful analysis, this episode respects the memory of innocent victims while providing listeners with a deeper understanding of how witchcraft myths evolve and persist across centuries.
This conversation challenges popular assumptions and offers valuable historical context on this fascinating yet frequently misunderstood aspect of witch hunt history.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of explicit sexual content related to historical witchcraft allegations.Michael Ostling's Research
Buy: Fairies, Demons, and Nature Spirits 'Small Gods' at the Margins of Christendom, edited by Michael Ostling
Buy: Emotions in the History of Witchcraft, co-edited by Michael Ostling
Buy: Between the Devil and the Host Imagining Witchcraft in Early Modern Poland, by Michael Ostling
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In this powerful episode, Josh and Sarah welcome Peter Ogik, Executive Director of Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism in Uganda, who shares his personal story and advocacy work.
About our guest: Peter Ogik was born and raised on an island in Lake Victoria, Uganda. As the first person with albinism in his community of about 600 people, Peter faced discrimination from birth but was fortunate to have supportive parents who advocated for him, especially in school settings where he initially struggled due to bullying and visual impairments associated with albinism.
Key topics discussed:
Personal experiences with discrimination: Peter shares how he was called "a thing" rather than a person, and how children were told not to sit near him because of harmful myths.
Educational challenges: Teachers initially placed Peter at the back of the classroom despite his visual impairments until his father intervened, leading to improved academic performance.
Dangerous misconceptions: Peter survived three kidnapping attempts by those seeking to harvest his body parts for witchcraft, based on the false belief that they bring wealth.
Health challenges: Persons with albinism face high risks of skin cancer, with over 90% dying before age 30 without proper protection and care.
Women and girls with albinism: They face additional challenges, including sexual violence based on the myth that intercourse with a woman with albinism can cure HIV/AIDS.
Advocacy work: Through his organization, Peter works to:
Educate communities and change harmful perceptions
Provide mobile skin clinics and sun protection
Train teachers to better support students with albinism
Advocate for policy changes like tax exemptions on sunscreen
Signs of progress: Peter notes how community attitudes are changing, with more persons with albinism now graduating as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other professionals.
International Albinism Awareness Day: This UN-recognized day (celebrated since 2015) has become a powerful platform for education and policy influence in Uganda.
Resources mentioned:
Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism (SNUPA)
Advantage Africa, a partner organization since 2013
This episode highlights how education and advocacy can combat deadly superstitions and improve lives for marginalized groups. Peter's message is one of resilience and hope: "I can't wait to see the tomorrow whereby a person will not define me by my appearance, but will define me by my abilities."
Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism
Advantage Africa
International Albinism Awareness Day Facebook Page
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Discover the once-overlooked story of Elizabeth Johnson Jr., the Salem witch trial victim finally exonerated after 330 years. At just 22, this young Andover woman was pressured into falsely confessing to witchcraft in 1692. She narrowly escaped execution when Governor Phips ended the Salem witch trials. However, she was unjustly left out of the 1711 mass exoneration that cleared many others' names. Our guest, podcast regular Mary Bingham, reveals Elizabeth's remarkable life through court records and family histories, including reading us the powerful petition for clemency submitted by Elizabeth at age 42. Learn why this case, with a personal connection to our host Joshua Hutchinson, resonates with justice movements today and how Elizabeth's name was finally cleared in 2022.
Mary Louise Bingham on Youtube: Sarah Wildes 1692
Online Event Presenting Mary Louise Bingham on Dorothy Faulkner and the Forging of Two Families April 26, 2025 Live from the Rebecca Nurse Homestead
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En el episodio de esta semana del podcast Witch Hunt, Josh y Sarah traducen al inglés cuando el invitado habla en español. Disfruten de esta nueva experiencia como nosotros. Damos la bienvenida a la fotógrafa documental y cineasta española Judith Prat. Con formación en derecho de los derechos humanos, Judith examina con contundencia la persecución de las mujeres acusadas de brujería en los Pirineos durante la Edad Moderna.
Judith habla de su documental "Decian Que Era Bruja", que rinde homenaje a las mujeres inocentes víctimas de la caza de brujas en España. También comparte reflexiones sobre su exposición fotográfica "Brujas" y el fotolibro que la acompaña, con 67 impactantes imágenes que documentan los paisajes de los Pirineos y las mujeres que los habitan hoy.
A través de su obra, Judith desafía la imagen estereotipada de las "brujas" como viejas brujas, revelando la verdad sobre las mujeres comunes que fueron perseguidas injustamente. Acompáñenos en esta fascinante conversación sobre la memoria, la justicia y la recuperación de narrativas históricas a través del arte.
Judithprat.com
Article:Dénia reflects on femicide with the documentary 'They said she was a witch' by Judith Prat
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Listen to episode: Secrets of the Basque Witch Hunt with Jan Machielsen
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In this week's episode of Witch Hunt podcast, Josh and Sarah translate to English when the guest speaks in Spanish. Please enjoy this new experience like we have.. We welcome Spanish documentary photographer and filmmaker Judith Prat. With a background in human rights law, Judith powerfully examines the persecution of women accused of witchcraft in the Pyrenees during the early modern period.
Judith discusses her documentary film "Decían Que Era Bruja" (They Said She Was a Witch), which pays tribute to the innocent women targeted during the witch hunts in Spain. She also shares insights about her photography exhibition "Brujas" and accompanying photobook featuring 67 striking images that document the landscapes of the Pyrenees and the women who inhabit them today.
Through her work, Judith challenges the stereotypical portrayal of "witches" as old hags, revealing instead the truth about ordinary women who were unjustly persecuted. Join us for this fascinating conversation about memory, justice, and reclaiming historical narratives through art.
Judithprat.com
Article:Dénia reflects on femicide with the documentary 'They said she was a witch' by Judith Prat
Purchase Judith Prat's Photo Book: Brujas
Listen to episode:Secrets of the Basque Witch Hunt with Jan Machielsen
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In this powerful episode, we explore the discrimination faced by persons with albinism across Africa through conversations with two remarkable advocates from the Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism (SLAPWA).
Join us as we welcome back Jay Kamara, a familiar voice to our listeners, alongside Daniella Garrick, a model, youth leader, and advocate who is representing Sierra Leone in the upcoming Miss Albinism Africa pageant in June 2025.
Our guests share how marginalized communities can transform visibility from a source of vulnerability into a platform for challenging misconceptions. Through initiatives like the Miss Albinism Africa pageant, they demonstrate how advocacy can operate effectively for communities that have faced persistent discrimination.
This episode offers valuable insights into:
The specific support needed by persons with albinism in Sierra Leone
How pageantry becomes an unexpected vehicle for profound human rights advocacy
Ways you can participate in these important advocacy efforts
How to support: The Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism is seeking support for Daniella's travel, accommodation, and competition expenses for the Miss Albinism Africa pageant. Learn more at albinismsierraleone.org or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/slapwa17.
Witch Hunt is dedicated to helping you learn about others' experiences and providing meaningful opportunities to take action. Join us for this transformative conversation.
email: [email protected]
Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism
Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism Facebook Page
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Medical Assistance Sierra Leone
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In this compelling episode, we welcome back returning guest Dr. Govind Kelkar. Building on her previous insights about women's experiences in India, Dr. Kelkar shares her recent groundbreaking research across eight northeastern Indian states, examining the complex interplay between traditional beliefs and modern pressures.
Dr. Kelkar's fieldwork reveals how patriarchal systems have intensified within these communities, fueling the devaluation of women and perpetuating the dangerous practice of witch branding. Her research uncovers unexpected connections between economic development initiatives, efforts at cultural preservation, and gender-based violence.
Listeners will gain deep insights into how evolved capitalist economic structures have transformed traditional gender dynamics in these regions, creating new vulnerabilities for women. We discuss the formidable challenges facing activists working to create safer spaces, and explore how feminist movements can effectively address witchcraft accusations while honoring indigenous rights and cultural autonomy.
This episode offers a straightforward look at the intersection of gender, power, and belief systems, essential listening for anyone seeking to understand the persistence of witch hunts in our modern world.
Research Documents and Books by Govind Kelkar
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The International Alliance to End Witch Hunts
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A cornerstone message of our Witch Hunt podcast and End Witch Hunts nonprofit centers on community-based advocacy paired with holistic intervention programs. Experts are illustrating that sustainable change requires coordinated efforts that empower local communities while addressing the complex root causes that perpetuate these harmful practices across the Americas.
This final episode in our Podcasthon series examines unique manifestations of witch hunts throughout North, Central, and South America - from colonial Salem to contemporary accusations in rural communities. We explore how historical contexts and cultural dynamics have shaped these phenomena differently across the hemisphere, while identifying common patterns and effective intervention strategies.
We encourage our listeners to catch the full series to gain comprehensive understanding of this global issue. By connecting the dots between episodes, you'll discover how lessons learned in one region can inform approaches elsewhere, creating a powerful framework for lasting change."
Key Topics Covered
Josh and Sarah's personal connections to the Salem Witch Trials and other New England witch trialsThe first documented witchcraft accusations in America (1626)Timeline of witch trials in Connecticut and Massachusetts before SalemThe "perfect storm" of conditions that led to the Salem Witch HuntOverview of the Salem Witch Trials (156 accused, 30 convicted, 19 hanged, 1 pressed to death)Post-Salem witch trials in Hartford, Vermont, and VirginiaRecent witch hunt violence in Haiti (December 2024)Witch Hunt podcast
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Podcasthon 2025 Witch Hunt Episode Playlist
Goody Glover of Boston Episode
The Salem Witch Trials Episodes
Massachusetts Witch Trials Episodes
Connecticut Witch Trials Episodes
Podcasthon.org
Boris Gershman Witch Hunt Podcast Episode
Witchcraft Beliefs Around the World: An Exploratory Analysis
BorisGershman.com
The International Network
The International Alliance to End Witch Hunts
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Our Ending Witch Hunts Podcasthon series now turns to Europe, home to history's most notorious stories on witch trials. Hosts Sarah and Josh talk about witch persecutions across England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Germany, France, and Portugal, while touching on a surprising truth: these aren't just historical events.
The episode connects Europe's witch trial past with present-day manifestations, including physically harming exorcisms, spiritual abuse and ritual abuse cases in the UK and US. With research showing the prevalence of belief in harmful witchcraft, we demonstrate how witch hunt dynamics continue to target vulnerable populations in Western societies.
Join us as we uncover another chapter in the witch hunt story - the uncomfortable reality that these persecutions didn't end with history—they merely transformed. By understanding Europe's legacy and its continuing narrative, we gain crucial insights into addressing these harmful phenomena today.
Podcasthon 2025 Witch Hunt Episode Playlist
European Witch Hunt Podcast Episodes!
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Podcasthon.org
Boris Gershman Witch Hunt Podcast Episode
Witchcraft Beliefs Around the World: An Exploratory Analysis
BorisGershman.com
The International Network
The International Alliance to End Witch Hunts
Advocacy for Alleged Witches, Nigeria
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In this episode for Podcasthon 2025, we welcome Holly Bamford, a History PhD candidate at Liverpool University who researches late medieval and early modern witchcraft and superstition. Holly examines the historical context of witch hunts through detailed case studies.We met Holly at the Magic and Witchcraft conference in York 2024, one of many academic events that help us connect with experts in the field of witch trial history and contemporary witch hunt research.The conversation covers the 1674 Hinchcliffe case, where neighbors petitioned courts defending the accused family's innocence, and the 1601 Trevisard case featuring twelve neighbors who approached a magistrate to accuse an entire family of witchcraft.This episode is part of our contribution to Podcasthon 2025, where 1,500 podcasters are using their platforms from March 15-21 to highlight causes important to them. Our featured nonprofit is End Witch Hunts, which can be found along with other charities at podcasthon.org.Renaissance Society of America -Boston 2025
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Boris Gershman Witch Hunt Podcast Episode
Witchcraft Beliefs Around the World: An Exploratory Analysis
The International Network
The International Alliance to End Witch Hunts
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Welcome back to our Podcasthon series, "Ending Witch Hunts."
In this fourth installment, Josh and Sarah explore the pervasive issue of witch hunts across Asia. As Sarah notes, "The witch hunting story continues to unfold in ways many people don't realize." We examine how witch hunts and witch branding remain significant problems throughout parts of Asia, with a particular focus on India.
Throughout the episode, we highlight the work of many local advocates who are fighting these dangerous practices through education, survivor support, and influencing the development of appropriate legal protections and governmental interventions.
Podcasthon is a global movement to spread awareness about charities. Join us each day March 15-21 as we participate in Podcasthon 2025, where more than 1,500 podcasters unite to amplify causes close to their hearts. We're proud to participate with our nonprofit End Witch Hunts, which works to educate about persecution of alleged witches worldwide.
Witch Hunt podcast
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Podcasthon.org
Boris Gershman Witch Hunt Podcast Episode
Witchcraft Beliefs Around the World: An Exploratory Analysis
The International Network
The International Alliance to End Witch Hunts
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Welcome back to our Podcasthon series, "Ending Witch Hunts."
In this third installment of our Podcasthon series, Josh and Sarah continue the full story of witch hunting by examining contemporary SARV- sorcery accusations and related violence in Papua New Guinea. As Sarah reveals, "The witch hunting story is bigger than just what most people know. Pull back each layer and you find that witch hunts aren't a tall tale or an open-and-shut case."
We will share about these layers through discussing the complexities and nuances of SARV across the diverse cultures and developing communities of Papua New Guinea. You need to learn about the incredible advocacy and victim support that is happening now through creative education and community development. Find out what makes ending SARV such a challenge.
Podcasthon is a global movement to spread awareness about charities. Join us each day March 15-21 as we participate in Podcasthon 2025, where more than 1,500 podcasters unite to amplify causes close to their hearts. We're proud to participate with our nonprofit End Witch Hunts, which works to educate about persecution of alleged witches worldwide.
Tune in daily as we uncover this complex story layer by layer. Learn more at podcasthon.org and discover how you can help at www.endwitchhunts.org.
Help us recognize World Day Against Witch Hunts, August 10th
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Papua New Guinea Discussions on Witch Hunt Podcast
Boris Gershman Witch Hunt Podcast Episode
Witchcraft Beliefs Around the World: An Exploratory Analysis
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Sorcery National Action Plan
Give your support to Stop Sorcery Violence
Peter and Grace Make a Difference Narrative -
Welcome back to our Podcathon series, "Ending Witch Hunts."
In this second installment, Josh and Sarah continue the full story of witch hunting by examining contemporary witch hunts across Africa. As Sarah reveals, "The witch hunting story is bigger than just what most people know. Pull back each layer and you find that witch hunts aren't a tall tale or an open-and-shut case."
We will cover several nations across Africa and how advocates in specific communities are supporting victims and educating the community. On this second day of Podcathon, we feature a special update from human rights activist Dr. Leo Igwe of Advocacy for Alleged Witches in Nigeria.
Podcathon is a global movement to spread awareness about charities. Join us each day March 15-21 as we participate in Podcathon 2025, where more than 1,500 podcasters unite to amplify causes close to their hearts. We're proud to participate with our nonprofit End Witch Hunts, which works to educate about persecution of alleged witches worldwide.
Tune in daily as we uncover this complex story layer by layer. Learn more at podcasthon.org and discover how you can help at www.endwitchhunts.org.Witch Hunt podcast
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Podcasthon.org
Boris Gershman Witch Hunt Podcast Episode
Witchcraft Beliefs Around the World: An Exploratory Analysis
The International Network
The International Alliance to End Witch Hunts
Advocacy for Alleged Witches, Nigeria
Alhzeimer Dementia Namibia on Facebook
Total Life Enhancement Center, Ghana
The Sanneh Institute: Research, Religious, Society
Advocacy Against Witch Hunts, South Africa
Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism
Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism Facebook Page
The Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism (SNUPA)
Case Study, Synergies: Contagion of Positive Action
Stop Child Witchcraft Accusations
United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8. Elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks
Pan African Parliament Guidelines on Accusations of Witchcraft and Ritual Attacks
Podcast Episode: Ikponwosa Ero on Ending Witch Hunts
Podcast Episode: Human Rights Day and Albinism: Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond on Witchcraft Accusations and Ritual Attacks
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Join us each day March 15-21 as we participate in Podcasthon 2025, where more than 1,500 podcasters unite to amplify causes close to their hearts. We're proud to participate with our nonprofit End Witch Hunts, which is working to educate about persecution of alleged witches worldwide. When you think of the Salem Witch Trials, it might seem like ancient history—an open-and-shut case from a bygone era. But as Sarah reveals, "The witch hunting story is bigger than just Salem. Pull back each layer and you find that witch hunts aren't a tall tale or an opened and shut case." One minute you think you know the truth. The next, you realize you don't know the half of it.
Throughout this special week-long series, we'll explore how witch hunts transcend ancient historic documents and continue happening today. In this installment We examine literal witch hunts—where fear of witchcraft drives accusations of supernatural harm—featuring insights from Economist Boris Gershman on global witchcraft beliefs and the path toward ending these dangerous persecutions. Tune in daily as we uncover this complex story layer by layer. Learn more at podcasthon.org and discover how you can help at www.endwitchhunts.org.
Witch Hunt podcast
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Podcasthon.org
Boris Gershman Witch Hunt Podcast Episode
Witchcraft Beliefs Around the World: An Exploratory Analysis
BorisGershman.com
The International Network
The International Alliance to End Witch Hunts
Advocacy for Alleged Witches, Nigeria
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In this episode, Professor Victoria Canning from Lancaster University discusses the overlooked intersection of criminology and witchcraft persecution. Through the lens of "zemiology"—the study of social harm—Canning examines how witchcraft accusations create profound physical, psychological, and cultural damage.Central to our conversation is her concept of "torturous violence," which expands definitions of torture beyond state actions to include sustained community violence with similar traumatic effects. This framework helps explain how witchcraft accusations function as mechanisms of social control, particularly against women.Canning advocates for an "activist criminology" that uses evidence to drive social change and helps practitioners identify and respond to witchcraft-related persecution.Join us for this informative conversation bridging criminology and witchcraft studies to address these overlooked forms of violence.
Research and Publications by Victoria Canning
Women for Refugee Women
International Conference on Albinism at Lancaster University, September 2025
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Maryland House Joint Resolution 2
MD Witch Exoneration Project Website
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