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.
Country: England and Wales
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.
Working with community organisations to end FGM
Working with FGM survivors, communities affected by FGM and grass-roots organisations is vital in the work to end FGM and should be incorporated in all aspects of FGM prevention work.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Practical Guidance for Ealing Schools
This guidance has been produced to promote the practical steps a school can take to make sure that everyone – including pupils, parents and staff – knows about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and can play their role in safeguarding girls and young women from FGM.
A Statement Opposing FGM (Health Passport)
Families travelling overseas to countries where FGM is prevalent should take this statement with them. The passports can be downloaded in several languages. They can show it to their families as it clarifies that FGM is a serious criminal offence in the UK with a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison for anyone found guilty. Overseas relatives, or whoever is caring for them abroad, may also be guilty of an offence if they fail to protect all family members from FGM being carried out.
Female Genital Mutilation: E-Learning for Professionals
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.
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.
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.
An Exploration of Knowledge about Child Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief
This groundbreaking new research investigates current knowledge and raises awareness of child abuse linked to faith or belief. Internationally, cases of child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB) continue to cause concern. In the United Kingdom (UK) high profile cases such as Victoria Climbie and Kristy Bamu have raised awareness of the need to develop child protection in this area. However, there are relatively small numbers of recorded cases though this data may be open to question due to underreporting and lack of recognition. Therefore, this research is timely and important in providing a foundation on which to build more effective identification of cases, policy and intervention.