Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM has many terms by which it is known, including Female Genital Circumcision (FGC). FGM involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This is a very hidden problem and part of the honour based violence portfolio. It has been illegal in the UK since 1985. The current legislation is covered by the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, which has now given the police the powers to arrest someone who has taken a girl out of the UK to undergo FGM. The new act also allows for someone to be prosecuted who arranges for FGM to be carried out anywhere in the world. Recent amendments to the legislation now make it a legal requirement for specified professions within health, education and social care to report all cases of suspected FGM, both pre and post event. Failure to comply is likely to result in disciplinary action within that organisation.
With no anaesthetic or medical qualifications, girls as young as 1 week old can be victims of this barbaric practice. It can also affect adult women immediately following childbirth. There are four main types of FGM, which range in severity and the health consequences for the victims can be life changing both physically and psychologically in the majority of the four types. In a certain percentage of cases that are carried out in the traditional way, the end result may be fatal from either blood loss or infection.
Generally, this is a once in a lifetime event for the young victim. However, there is likely to follow a lifetime of physical and emotional pain and suffering as a consequence. There may only be one opportunity to try and prevent this from happening to protect a girl and her female siblings. This is a global problem affecting many communities. Training for professionals is just the first step towards the fight against this harmful and totally unnecessary practice, however certain professions – such as those working in the teaching profession, health sector and airline industry are more likely to be able identify indicators of when a girl might be about to have FGM undertaken or when she has already been the victim of FGM. Our training helps professionals to identify and refer cases of concern and who to.
This extremely harmful practice dates back to pharaonic times and affects girls and women around the world. There is a wide misconception is that it is an 'African' issue. Whilst it is known to be practiced in at least 28 countries in Africa the problem is global. The practice is against all religious practices and has many misguided reasons for its perpetuation. It is Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG) and amounts to child abuse in the United Kingdom.
Please contact us to discuss further your individual or organisational concerns and requirements to ensure everyone is equipped to recognise when and how to respond appropriately to prevent this serious form of child abuse and effectively report when they suspect a child is being abused in this way.