A one-page infographic that highlights the key pieces of legislation in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This includes information on Mandatory Reporting Duties, FGM Specific Laws and the Serious Crime Act 2015.
Country: Northern Ireland
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.
Briefing Paper: FGM (Northern Ireland)
This paper covers what FGM is, UK legal framework, International Human Rights Law, Commonwealth legal responses and recommendations
Understanding the Needs of Children in Northern Ireland
This guide is aimed at professionals who provide services to children, young people and their families, whether they work in the statutory, community or private sectors, who undertake or contribute to assessments under the UNOCINI Assessment Framework.
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.
Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines: Female Genital Mutilation (Northern Ireland)
These guidelines are practice guidelines and are designed to be educative and provide advice on FGM cases.
FGM Scoping Study: Northern Ireland
This scoping study seeks to provide an estimate of the number of women and girls affected or potentially affected by FGM in Northern Ireland. ACSONI conducted community engagement focus groups. It further seeks to identify service provision in Northern Ireland and to identify gaps in both service provision and knowledge.
FGM Protection Orders
FGM protection orders (FGMPO) offer a legal means to protect and safeguard victims and potential victims of FGM. You can apply for a protection order if you or someone you know is at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM). This will help to keep you (or the person you know) safe from another person (the ‘respondent’). Someone else (eg from a local authority) can also apply for a protection order on your behalf.
Breast Flattening Map
This map covers where Breast Ironing/Flattening is recorded to happen. This map has been developed from the study “Understanding Breast “Ironing”: A Study of the Methods, Motivations, and Outcomes of Breast Flattening Practices in Cameroon” by Rebecca Tapscott, 2012.
Practice Reflection for FGM and Harmful Practices
This tool is to be used by social workers when reflecting on FGM and other harmful practices (e.g breast flattening or child abuse linked to faith or belief) cases. Social workers should use this tool to reflect on their practice throughout a case. Social workers should aim to use this tool prior to supervision with their manager, and on an ongoing basis to then discuss within regular supervisions.