Daycare Ritual Abuse Hysteria (1980s-90s)

The daycare ritual abuse hysteria of the 1980s-90s, epitomized by the infamous McMartin case, saw daycare workers accused of engaging children in satanic ritual abuse. False claims included allegations of live executions, rape, and torture, leading to numerous wrongful accusations and ruined lives. The hysteria likely stemmed from parental anxiety and guilt associated with entrusting children to daycare centers, turning daycare workers into scapegoats amid false testimonies coerced from children during interrogations.