Forced by the devil : occult crimes and related offences

Abstract

This dissertation aims to delve into research regarding horrifying acts of occult crime. This study will explore various issues which were raised in a case study analysis where the occult was used in a way to manipulate victims and sexually assault them. This was due to their vulnerabilities which led the offender to abuse the family in their own home and almost led one of the victims to take her own life. This study not only focuses on this one such case study but also investigates the occult more broadly. The records show that the practice of occultism has been present in Malta since the 16th century (Sultana,2020). At that time, it was believed to be a powerful mechanism for cursing one's enemies. However, nowadays it is legal to believe in any religion of one's choice if it does not cause any harm to others. Nevertheless, it is not acceptable to use vulnerable individuals who believe in the occult and sexually assault them because they fear their offender due to their superstitious beliefs. This will be further dealt with in detail to explain the motivations behind such offenders and what leads the victims to be victimised repeatedly, with the use of a qualitative research methodology.