The Thing About Witch Hunts

Latest Episodes:

Caste and Witchcraft Accusations in 15 Minutes Mar 03, 2024

Show notes

This episode of the Witch Hunt podcast, featuring human rights lawyer Preethi Lolaksha Nagaveni, focuses on her extensive research on caste-based discrimination and untouchability in India. The conversation delves into the urgent need for societal transformation and accountability to eliminate harmful practices. The exchange also highlights the brutal realities faced by Dalit women, explore historical background, and emphasize the necessity for stringent laws to combat these entrenched issues. The episode underlines the importance of Babasaheb Ambedkar's advocacy for Dalit rights and his influence in shaping the Indian Constitution. Additionally, it unveils the challenges faced by Dalit children in accessing quality education and the inadequacies in enforcing existing laws against witchcraft accusations and related atrocities. The necessity for comprehensive education, sensitization of authorities, and the formulation of stringent laws to protect the dignity of Dalit women is underscored throughout the interaction.

15 Minutes on Witch-Hunts in India with Neelesh Singh Mar 01, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Witch Hunt, hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack explore the troubling issue of gender-based violence in India, including witch hunts, with expert Neelesh Singh from India's National Rural Livelihood Mission. Singh focuses on gender issues and social inclusion, discussing the prevalent issues of witch hunting. Singh emphasizes the importance of collective action by women's collectives, sensitizing them to these issues and empowering them to support their fellow members. A case of witch-branding is discussed, portraying the real-life horrors these women face and detailing how theatre training and ongoing involvement can help them heal and raise awareness in their communities. The episode concludes with the positive impact of a public display of support for a victimized woman, which led to a significant signature campaign prompting the local chief minister to issue a stand against witch-branding and -hunting in the state.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation

00:58 Understanding Gender-Based Violence in India

02:14 The Role of Women Collectives in Tackling Gender-Based Violence

03:39 Real-Life Stories of Witch-Branding and Collective Action

07:31 The Power of Theater in Healing and Awareness

11:13 Collective Action and Public Support Against Witch-Branding

13:35 The Impact of Collective Action and Future Strategies

14:37 Conclusion and Farewell

A Voice Against Injustice: Neelesh Singh on Witch Hunts in India Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Witch Hunt, we dive into an enlightening conversation with Neelesh Singh, a champion for social inclusion and gender equality with India's National Rural Livelihood Mission. Neelesh emphasizes the urgent imperative to confront and mitigate gender-based violence at every stage of life, highlighting the importance of comprehensive strategies that protect and empower individuals from infancy through to old age.From combating infanticide to empowering widow survivors of witchcraft allegations, Neelesh's work spans a broad spectrum of initiatives aimed at fostering resilience, healing, and collective empowerment among women in rural India. Learn about therapeutic approaches including art therapy for expression and healing, the formation of women's collectives to combat domestic violence, and the development of strategies for prevention, risk mitigation, and redressal of gender-based violence. Neelesh also discusses the importance of survivor networks in influencing policy and media, underscoring the critical role of the state in acknowledging and combating these practices. Join us for a profound discussion on the journey towards gender equity and the end of witch hunts for alleged witches in India.

Witch Hunts in Ghana & India by John Azumah & Neelesh Singh 10.13.21

Streethttps://youtu.be/gjqaLyt5d6w?si=94JqfPJQYMM1b6ys Play on Witch Hunting by I-CARD

Film: Testimony of Ana

End Witch Hunts

Stop Witchcraft Accusations and Trial by Ordeal in Guinea Bissau by Leo Igwe

Why Witch Hunts are not just a Dark Chapter from the Past

The International Network against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices

Grassroots organizations working with The International Network

International Alliance to End Witch Hunts

15-Minute Guide to Service Magic with Tabitha Stanmore Feb 25, 2024

Show notes

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/episodes/15-Minute-Guide-to-Service-Magic-with-Tabitha-Stanmore-e2g8pdf

Mental Health in Ghana's Witch Camps in 15 Minutes Feb 23, 2024

Show notes

Learn about efforts to care for the mental health of hundreds of Ghanaians who have been accused of witchcraft and forced to flee their communities to the relative safety of so-called 'witch camps.'

Peter Mintir Amadu of Total Life Enhancement Center Ghana (TOLEC) tells us how the center has been involved in doing psychological assessments and providing therapy for these vulnerable victims.

Caring for the Mental Health of Women in Ghana's Witch Camps with Peter Mintir Amadu Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

We expand our advocacy discussion on modern day witch hunts and human rights abuses associated with accusations related to witchcraft to Ghana. Guest Peter Mintir Amadu is the Executive Director of the Total Life Enhancement Center (TOLEC) Ghana, a non-profit organization dedicated to community mental health advocacy and support. Amadu discusses TOLEC's immersive and strategic engagement with witch hunt survivors, including psychological assessments and group and individual therapies to address trauma. Despite the challenges of severly scarce resources and logistical difficulties, TOLEC aims to bolster specialized support in ongoing efforts.

This episode of ‘Witch Hunt’ underscores the necessity of increased intersectional cooperation, funding, and international awareness to tackle the global phenomenon of witch hunts.

Recommended Reading

United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8. Elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks

Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights: Study on the situation of the violations and abuses of human rights rooted in harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks, as well as stigmatization

Websites of Note

Total Life Enhancement Center, Ghana

The Sanneh Institute: Research, Religious, Society

Songtaba.org Securing Basic Rights for Women and Girls

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom

Action Aid Ghana

Legal Resource Centre Ghana

Amnesty International, Ghana

End Witch Hunts

Why Witch Hunts are not just a Dark Chapter from the Past

The International Network against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices

Grassroots organizations working with The International Network

International Alliance to End Witch Hunts

15-Minute Intro to Massachusetts Witch Trials, the Case of Elizabeth Morse Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

Learn about the Massachusetts Witch Trials. In this 15-minute (okay, just under 14-minute) episode, we cover the intriguing case of Elizabeth Morse of Newbury, Massachusetts who was convicted of witchcraft but not executed. Why was she allowed to live under house arrest? Questions arose over evidentiary standards. Why weren't these standards in use in 1692 and 1693 during the Salem Witch Trials?

Petition to Exonerate Elizabeth Morse and other Massachusetts Witch Trial victims

Full episode - The Astrologer, the Witch, and the Poltergeist: Massachusetts Witch Trials 101 Part 3

15-Minute Intro to New Hampshire Witch Trials Feb 17, 2024

Show notes

We've taken our episode on New Hampshire Witch Trials and shrunken it down to 15 quick minutes for people on the go to listen to when they can. Join us as we look into the lesser-known witch trials and local lore of northern New England with Dr. Tricia Peone. Our engaging discussion highlights the story of Eunice Cole and brings to light the history of witchcraft accusations in New Hampshire from the earliest case in 1648 to a significant incident in the 1790s. Dr. Peone provides deep local insights, revealing the complexities beneath the surface.

#NewHampshireWitchTrials #Witchcraft #Witchtrials #witchhunt #NewHampshire #NH

Witchcraft in the Granite State: Unveiling New Hampshire's Witch Trials with Tricia Peone Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

This week on Witch Hunt, we delve into lesser-known witch trials and local lore with Dr. Tricia Peone, Project Director at the Congregational Library & Archives. Our engaging discussion highlights the stories of individuals like Eunice Cole and Jane Walford, bringing to light the history of witchcraft accusations in New Hampshire from the earliest case in 1648 to a significant incident in the 1790s. You will discover how the local community's efforts to revitalize the reputation of Eunice immortalized her in the public consciousness of Hampton, NH. Dr. Peone provides deep local insights, revealing the complexities beneath the surface. After listening to today’s episode, you might find yourself inspired to explore Eunice Cole's history firsthand.

Massachusetts Witch Hunt Justice Project

Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project

Witch Hunt

Tricia Peone, Project Director, New England's Hidden Histories

Massachusetts Witchcraft Trials 101 Part 1: 1648-1656

#witchhunt

Service Magic with Tabitha Stanmore Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

This new episode of "Witch Hunt" features Dr. Tabitha Stanmore, discussing her research on service magic in 14th to 17th century Great Britain with Salem witch trial descendants Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack. She explains the concept of service magic, its practices, and the difference between service magicians and witches. Dr. Stanmore also touches on the impact of religious changes and laws on magic practices. Various aspects of magic, including healing methods, divination techniques, and the use of magic in daily life are delved into. Additionally, she shares about her soon to release book, "Cunning Folk: Life in the Era of Practical Magic" and her collaboration on the Seven County Witch Hunt Project, which looks at the Matthew Hopkins witch trials of the 1640s. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the legacy of witch hunts and their impact on families and communities. Anyone can submit written testimony for MA Bill H.1803. Simply write a short letter stating why this bill is important to: Judiciary Committee at 24 Beacon Street, Room 136, Boston, MA 02133 or by e-mail to michael.musto@mahouse.gov.

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