Guidance and procedures regarding male circumcision. Male circumcision is legal in the UK, if both parents agree, but this does not mean it cannot be a safeguarding issue.
Country: England and Wales
The Serious Crime Act: 2015
Section 70(1) of the Serious Crime Act 2015 amends section 4 of the FGM Act 2003 to extend the extra-territorial powers of the law to further protect victims of FGM. It also introduces victim anonymity to victims of FGM similar to that of victims of sexual exploitation. The Serious Crime Act introduces civil measures to protect girls or women who have suffered or are believed to be at risk from FGM. It also introduces a mandatory reporting duty to report known cases of FGM that applies to all regulated professionals.
Female Genital Mutilation Act: 2003
Under the 2003 Act, a person is guilty of an offence if they excise, infibulate or otherwise mutilate the whole or any part of a girl’s or woman’s labia majora, labia minora or clitoris for non-medical reasons. Any person found guilty of an offence under the FGMAct is liable to a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment. The Act covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the nationality or residence status of the victim is irrelevant.
Patient Information Leaflet: FGM
The Department of Health Patient Information Leaflet provides basic information about FGM and the law and informs patients about recording and reporting practices on the NHS. It can be ordered in a range of community languages from the Department of Health.
FGM: RCN guidance for travel health services
This publication acts as a supplement to Female Genital Mutilation: An RCN Resource for Nursing and Midwifery Practice (2016) and focuses on professionals working in travel health services.
FGM Pocket Guide (A guide for health professionals)
This guide for health professionals contains information on what FGM is, the health complications, the law and safeguarding duties.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): A Councillor’s Guide
The Councillor’s Guide aims to give councillors an introduction to the issues surrounding FGM, and give some consideration as to how it can be tackled in their areas.The Guide identifies three ways Councillors can play a role in tackling FGM.
Major Investigation & Public Protection: Female Genital Mutilation
This APP guidance is designed to raise awareness of and demystify the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) for officers and those they work with so that it can be more proactively prevented and prosecuted.
Female Genital Mutilation: Information, Services & Support Guide
The guide is produced as a resource for use in schools by young people and adults who work with young people. It provides basic information on FGM and related health and social issues. It aims to increase awareness of the law and about child protection issues and also offers ideas for helping girls at risk of FGM. The guide provides information of specialist health and support services in the UK.
CUT – Some Wounds Never Heal (Lesson Plan)
Values vs Violence provide training to primary and secondary schools using the ‘Cut – some wounds never heal’ DVD. A tool to raise awareness and understanding of FGM issues in schools and communities, ‘Cut’ was commissioned in response to concerns raised by schools who were dealing with victims and disclosure. The film is 13 minutes long. Teachers should follow the lesson plan on the Values Versus Violence website when viewing this film.