The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook

In late 1993, Bruce D. Perry became involved in investigating alleged Satanic Ritual Abuse in Gilmer, Texas. The case began in 1989 when Bette Vernon (a pseudonym) reported sexual abuse by her then-husband, Ward Vernon (also a pseudonym), triggering an investigation that eventually removed 16 children from multiple families. While physical evidence supported some allegations of sexual and physical abuse, Perry recalls that the case spiraled into dangerous territory when children were placed in therapeutic foster homes where two problematic cultural trends converged: the recovery movement’s emphasis on uncovering repressed memories and evangelical Christianity’s belief that widespread abuse must be Satan’s work.

The investigation expanded to include accusations of a murderous satanic cult responsible for the 1992 disappearance of cheerleader Kelly Wilson. Investigators used scientifically untested methods taught in workshops claiming that children never lie about sexual abuse and that behavioral checklists could identify satanic abuse victims. Two “experts”—a former Baptist minister and a gym instructor with no investigative experience—led the investigation.

The children endured “holding therapy,” in which adults physically restrained them for hours, digging their knuckles into the children’s ribs and verbally accosting them until they complied with stories of devil worship, human sacrifice, and cannibalism.