This free online training course helps frontline professionals develop skills to identify and help girls at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM). Provides: an overview of FGM; professional responsibilities in FGM cases; information on how to prevent FGM; and how to support those who have been subjected to it. Although not exhaustive, the course enables professionals to develop a basic understanding of FGM and their role in protecting girls at risk.
Country: England and Wales
FGM Mandatory Reporting Duty
Amendments to the Serious Crime Act 2015, mean that from October it becomes mandatory to report known cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on girls under 18 to the police. The duty applies to all regulated professionals working within health, social care and education in England and Wales. “Known” cases of FGM are those when a child discloses to a professional that she’s had FGM or when a professional observes signs of FGM on a girl’s genitalia.
Addressing FGM in schools: teaching, learning and support (including presentation)
This resource has been developed with the support of the Home Office and Department for International Development. It offers guidance on teaching about FGM as part of the PSHE curriculum. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness among staff about the warning signs of FGM and the responsibilities of school staff in this regard.
“Between Two Cultures”: A Rapid PEER Study Exploring Migrant Communities’ Views on FGM in Essex and Norfolk, UK
This report shares the findings from a rapid PEER study, carried out by migrant women and men living in Norfolk and Essex, UK. 18 Peer Researchers, were recruited through local community organisations and trained and supported by FORWARD and Barnardo’s to design and carry out conversational interviews with their peers focusing on life in the UK, and Female Genital Mutilation.
Stakeholder Consultation Events: Exploring local best-practice in FGM prevention.
The National FGM Centre works with experts around the country to inform and develop services. As part of that process, it is organising a number of stakeholder events around England. The Stakeholder events are held in informal settings in the style of ‘world-cafe’ to encourage open discussions and the sharing of learning.
Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in England and Wales: National and local estimates
This report contains estimates of the numbers of women with female genital mutilation (FGM) living in England and Wales, the numbers of women with FGM giving birth and the numbers of girls born to women with FGM. Headline figures for England and Wales as a whole were published in an interim report.
Multi-agency statutory guidance on FGM
This multi-agency guidance on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) published in April 2016 should be read and followed by all persons and bodies in England and Wales who are under statutory duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. This document includes guidance on FGM and the law, talking about FGM and risk indicators.
Safeguarding children’s rights: exploring issues of witchcraft and spirit possession in London’s African communities.
The Safeguarding Children’s Rights initiative was established in 2007 in response to concerns raised by African community groups about faith-based child abuse linked to a belief in spirit possession in London communities. This report evaluates the work of four community organisations funded by the project. Also outlines the context, including the background to witchcraft and spirit possession in the UK and the African context for child protection and children’s rights.
Good FGM Referral Guide
This is a guide for professionals who are thinking about making a referral and what to know what information to include. This guide can also be used by safeguarding advisors who are looking to gather more information on a referral.
Keeping your girls safe from FGM (Leaflet)
This leaflet is for parents to help raise awareness of FGM and the law, especially around the holiday season.