From Dr Joan Coleman Sir, I write concerning Simon Caldwell's

article (March 15). As coordinator of RAINS (Ritual Abuse Information Network and Support), I have spoken with at least 500 professionals who work with victims of ritual abuse and about 130 survivors. Most are very credible people, describing remarkably similar experiences. Nearly all claim the abuse occurred in the context of a Satanic belief system.
It was therefore profoundly disappointing to read the article, which began quite promisingly but ended with the usual scepticism. Many people would agree with me that the research by Jean La Fontaine left many questions unanswered. Sara Scott's recent book on her own research, The Politics and Experience of Ritual Abuse, indicates a number of defects.
What suprised me most was the suggestion by Margaret Jervis that those (such as myself) who believe that Satanist abuse is a reality, are part of an anti-Catholic campaign by Protestant fundamentalists. RAINS is a largely secular, professional organisation, whose membership includes police and lawyers as well as therapists. Some are Christian, some Jewish, many agnostic. I know of no members who are extreme fundamentalists and few who have even heard of the 19th century book mentioned by Margaret Jervis. We know that some priests and ministers of most denominations abuse children, and accounts indicate this is sometimes ritual abuse. The Nolan Report was not before time; but the denial of some Catholic bishops regard
ing paedophile priests is reflected by the Government's denial of Satanist abuse. As a practising Catholic myself, with close links to St John's Seminary, Wonersh (which, incidentally, supports me in my work), I find the labels of fundamentalist and anti-Catholic totally ludicrous.
Yours faithfully JOAN COLEMAN Guildford, Surrey