Series 1

The Hidden Children of Ruinerwold Farm

BBC Four

BBC Four HD

The Hidden Children of Ruinerwold Farm: Series 1: Episode 3

Documentaries

As their father’s trial starts, the children unpack the painful allegations of abuse.

Episode 3

Factual: Crime & Justice

Factual: Real Life Stories

Released from the dark shadow of their father’s beliefs, a family unravel their existence.

In a quiet Dutch village, a man kept his children hidden from the world. Released from the dark shadow of their father’s beliefs, the family unravel their existence.

In 2019, the Dutch village of Ruinerwold became world news when a hidden family was discovered, living on a secluded farm, after a young man walked into the village pub asking for help. He told police that his father was a self-proclaimed prophet who, believing the world was dangerous, isolated six of his children on the farm, hiding their existence and never sending them to school. As the story broke, it became apparent that three older siblings had already fled the family several years before. These three, together with their younger brother, describe their hidden existence and escape, their father’s faith, the alleged abuse within the family and their remarkable resilience in coming to terms with past trauma.

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The Hidden Children of Ruinerwold Farm: Series 1

A family recount their hidden existence on a Dutch farm.

BBC Four - The Hidden Children of Ruinerwold Farm, Series 1, Episode 3

As their father’s trial starts, the four older children unpack the painful allegations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and finally meet their five younger siblings.

As their father’s trial starts, the four older children unpack the painful allegations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and finally meet their five younger siblings, all now young adults, who continue to support their father.

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The Hidden Children of Ruinerwold Farm

Series 1

Episode 3

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