Breast Flattening

What is breast flattening or breast ironing?

“the process during which young pubescent girls’ breasts are ironed, massaged, flattened and/or pounded down over a period of time (sometimes years) in order for the breasts to disappear or delay the development of the breasts entirely.”

In some families, large stones, a hammer or a spatula heated over scorching coals are used to compress the breast tissue. Other families may opt for an elastic belt or binder to press the breasts and prevent them from growing.

Breast flattening usually starts with the first signs of puberty, which can occur as young as nine years old, and is usually carried out by female relatives.

It is important to note that some adolescent girls and boys may choose to bind their breasts using constrictive material due to gender transformation or identity, and this may also cause health problems.

Breast flattening can happen anywhere in the world. The map below represents the countries where research has been conducted. Just because a country is not highlighted doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen; it simply means there is no research available in that area.

What are the health consequences of breast flattening or breast ironing?

Due to the types of instruments used, the force applied, and the lack of aftercare, significant health and developmental issue may occur, including:

• Abscesses
• Cysts
• Itching
• Tissue damage
• Infection
• Discharge of milk
• Dissymmetry of the breasts
• Severe fever
• Even the complete disappearance of one or both breasts

There may also be an impact on the child’s social and psychological well-being.

“My mother took a pestle, she warmed it well in the fire and then she used it to pound my breasts while I was lying down. She took the back of a coconut, warmed it in the fire and used it to iron the breasts. I was crying and trembling to escape but there was no way.”

(Survivor)

Why do people practice breast flattening or breast ironing?

In many cases, the abuser believes they are doing something beneficial for the child by delaying the effects of puberty. The practice is intended to:

• deter unwanted attention
• make teenage girls look less “womanly”
• prevent pregnancy and rape
• enable the girl to continue her education
• prevent dishonour being brought upon the family if the girl begins sexual relations outside of marriage

“I started growing breasts when I was 10. My mother explained to my sister that I was growing breasts too early and that I would attract boys.”

(Survivor)

Is there a law against breast flattening or breast ironing?

Although there is no specific law within the UK around breast flattening or breast ironing, it is a form of physical abuse. If professionals are concerned a child may be at risk of, or suffering significant harm, they must refer to their local safeguarding procedures.

What are the signs that a girl could be at risk of breast flattening or breast ironing?

• A girl is embarrassed about her body
• A girl is born to a woman who has undergone breast flattening
• A girl has an older sibling or cousin who has undergone breast flattening
• If there are references to breast flattening in conversation, for example a girl may tell other children about it
• A girl may request help from a teacher or another adult if she is aware or suspects that she is at immediate risk
• A girl from an affected community is withdrawn from PSHE and/or Sex and Relationship Education as her parents wish to keep her uninformed about her rights
• One or both parents or elder family members consider breast flattening integral to their cultural identity
• The family indicate that there are strong levels of influence held by elders who are involved in bringing up female children and support breast flattening
• A girl/family has limited level of integration within UK community

What are the signs that a girl is undergoing breast flattening or breast ironing?

As well as the above, we should be mindful that:

• A girl may disclose to a teacher, social worker, GP or another medical professional
• Some girls may ask for help, perhaps talk about pain or discomfort in their chest area, but may not be explicit about the problem due to embarrassment or fear
• A girl may display reluctance to undergo medical examination
• A girl may be fearful of changing for physical activities due to scars showing or bandages being visible

What to do if you are worried about breast flattening or breast ironing

If you are concerned that a girl is at risk of breast flattening, a referral must be made to the local children’s services team.

If you are concerned that the girl is in immediate danger, contact the police by calling 999.

You should also contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office if the girl has been taken abroad:

• telephone: 020 7008 1500
• from overseas: +44 (0)20 7008 1500

Breast Ironing Resources