Case file · Witch trials
Joan Vollmer exorcism death
Joan Vollmer, 49, died in early 1993 at Antwerp, Victoria, after a four-day exorcism led by her husband and members of a breakaway religious group who believed she was possessed.
1993 CE · -36.30, 142.03 · status: official
The account
She was restrained and deprived of food and water. Four people were charged; her husband was convicted of false imprisonment and recklessly causing injury. Legal scholars cite R v Vollmer when discussing religious belief as a defence.