Witch Hunt

Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack

Witch Hunt is the essential witch trials podcast. We cover the past, present, and future of witch-hunting in search of solutions that will help end witch hunts. Join us for an immersive journey through the intriguing and often misunderstood world of witch trials, both historical and contemporary. #salemwitchtrials #witchhunt #witchtrials (Formerly Thou Shalt Not Suffer: The Witch Trial Podcast) read less
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Episodes

Witchcraft Accusations and Gender Inequality with Dr. Samantha Spence
Mar 6 2024
Witchcraft Accusations and Gender Inequality with Dr. Samantha Spence
In this poignant episode of "Witch Hunt" we're honored to welcome Dr. Samantha Spence back. Merging the commemorative spirits of International Women's Day and Women’s History Month into a deep dive on the entwined paths of witch-hunting and women's struggles worldwide, Dr. Spence brings to light the multifaceted adversities that ensnare women accused of witchcraft - from social ostracization to economic hardships, legal injustices, and educational blockades. These barriers not only underscore their marginalization but also underscore the urgency of a collective global response. Through our discussion, Dr. Spence underscores the pivotal role of international collaboration, enhanced data gathering, and rigorous research in crafting both national and global strategies to counteract these injustices comprehensively. A staunch advocate for gender equality, she points out the transformative power of education for all genders and the undeniable influence of female leadership in dispelling harmful myths, challenging age-old stereotypes, and uplifting communities. Furthermore, Dr. Spence passionately argues for the critical necessity of healthcare access, with a particular emphasis on sexual and reproductive health services, as a cornerstone in safeguarding women's rights and well-being. Join us as we explore these essential themes with Dr. Spence, gaining insights into how solidarity, knowledge, and action can illuminate the darkest corners of witch hunts and pave the way for a just, equitable future that inspires inclusion. The International Network Against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices 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 Pan African Parliament Guidelines for Addressing Accusations of Witchcraft and Ritual Attacks Film: Testimony of Ana Why Witch Hunts are not just a Dark Chapter from the Past Storymap explaining the dynamics of sorcery accusation related violence End Witch Hunts Movement  Petition to recognize those accused of witchcraft in Massachusetts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message
15 Minutes on Witch-Hunts in India with Neelesh Singh
Mar 1 2024
15 Minutes on Witch-Hunts in India with Neelesh Singh
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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message
A Voice Against Injustice: Neelesh Singh on Witch Hunts in India
Feb 28 2024
A Voice Against Injustice: Neelesh Singh on Witch Hunts in India
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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message
Caring for the Mental Health of Women in Ghana's Witch Camps with Peter Mintir Amadu
Feb 21 2024
Caring for the Mental Health of Women in Ghana's Witch Camps with Peter Mintir Amadu
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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message
Service Magic with Tabitha Stanmore
Jan 31 2024
Service Magic with Tabitha Stanmore
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. Recommended ReadingCunning Folk: Life in the Era of Practical Magic, by Dr. Tabitha StanmoreSeven County Witch Hunts Project BlogUnited Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8. Elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks  Papua New Guinea Sorcery and Witchcraft Accusation-Related Violence National Action PlanPan African Parliament Guidelines for Addressing Accusations of Witchcraft and Ritual AttacksReport 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 stigmatizationWebsites of NoteEnd Witch HuntsFilm: Testimony of AnaWhy Witch Hunts are not just a Dark Chapter from the PastThe International Network against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful PracticesGrassroots organizations working with The International NetworkInternational Alliance to End Witch HuntsStop Sorcery ViolenceStorymap explaining the dynamics of sorcery accusation related violenceSupport the show --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message
Witchcraft Accusations and Caste in India with Preethi Lolaksha Nagaveni
Jan 24 2024
Witchcraft Accusations and Caste in India with Preethi Lolaksha Nagaveni
Witch Hunt presents an eye opening discussion with Human Rights Lawyer Preethi Lolaksha Nagaveni regarding her research and work in the field of law and caste-based discrimination in India. Exploring human experience realities like social untouchability, caste-based discrimination in education, the plight of manual scavengers, and the witchcraft accusation atrocities committed against multitudes of vulnerable women with inferior status.This thoughtful exchange regarding the struggle for equality in India provides a clear lens for understanding the human rights violations of the caste system, the experience of “untouchables” in India, and the urgent need for effective societal transformation and accountability to extinguish these entrenched harmful practices.United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8. Elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacksPapua New Guinea Sorcery and Witchcraft Accusation-Related Violence National Action PlanPan African Parliament Guidelines for Addressing Accusations of Witchcraft and Ritual AttacksReport 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 stigmatizationIK Ero On Next Steps For Ending Witch Hunts TINAAWAHPSanguma: Everybody’s BusinessNational Action PlanI Am Not a WitchSaving Africa's Witch ChildrenInternational Alliance to End Witch HuntsPetition to recognize those accused of witchcraft in MassachusettsEnd Witch HuntsThe International Network against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful PracticesGrassroots organizations working with The International NetworkStop Sorcery ViolenceStorymap explaining the dynamics of sorcery accusation related violenceSupport the show --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witchhunt/message