WHO recommendations published in May 2016 aim to help health workers provide better care to the more than 200 million girls and women worldwide living with female genital mutilation. The recommendations focus on preventing and treating obstetric complications; treatment for depression and anxiety disorders; attention to female sexual health such as counselling, and the provision of information and education.
Country: UK
UCLH Peadiatric FGM Service
This is a dedicated monthly multidisciplinary clinic for girls under 18 years who have had, are suspected to have had, or may be at risk of FGM. We offer sensitive and appropriate care for affected children and young people. If you are worried a girl has undergone FGM, we recommend a medical is undertaken at the earliest point. Click download to download the referral form.
FGM Screening Toolkit for Family Lawyers
Family law organisation Resolution has published a screening toolkit for family lawyers who are working with families that may be affected by FGM. The toolkit provides an assessment guide for professionals including: tips for opening up a conversation and a list of suggested screening questions.
In defence of genital autonomy for children
Should we offer ‘mild’ female genital alteration in the manner of male circumcision as a safe alternative to FGM? This commentary was written in response to an opinion piece by two American gynaecologists that argued for de-minimise female genital alteration procedures as a safe alternative to FGM, in the manner of male circumcision.
REPLACE Approach: Supporting Communities to end FGM in the EU
The Replace Approach to ending FGM was developed over 5 years by a European partnership between Forward UK, Coventry University, FSAN (Netherlands), CESIE (ITALY), APF (Portugal) and Gabinet d’Estudis Socials (Spain). The work was funded by Daphne III action grants. REPLACE is based on the principle that ending FGM requires behaviour change on behalf of affected communities.
Counter-Extremism Strategy
This strategy is about countering all forms of extremism: violent and non-violent; Islamist and the neo-Nazi. The strategy also explores harmful traditional practices including Female Genital Mutilation, Forced Marriage and so-called Honour-Based Violence as extreme forms of violence against women and girls that are deeply harmful and often stem from a wider view that denies women core human rights.
Female genital mutilation: abuse unchecked
The Home Affairs Committee has published a report about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Recommendations include: the Government should introduce stronger sanctions for professionals who fail to record FGM data; the FGM Unit should be a joint effort between the Home Office, the Department of Health and the Department for Education and more.
A systematic review of doctors’ experiences and needs to support the care of women with FGM. (Subscription to journal required)
The study aimed to examine the FGM experiences and educational needs of doctors with respect to FGM in low, middle and high-income countries. The goal was to identify the medical training and continuing professional development of doctors so that they can better care for women and advocate against the practice.
PANT’S – FGM Lesson Plan
This workshop uses a simple animation that embeds FGM into the already widely known and familiar NSPCC PANTS resource in an age appropriate and sensitive way. This resource is aimed primarily at children in years 5 and 6. The lesson plan could also be used on a one to one basis to help educate a child as part of on-going work.
FGM: A Muslim Issue?
This blog by campaigner and psychotherapist Leyla Hussein examines whether FGM is an Islamic practice. It gives facts about why FGM is not a Muslim issue but also discusses the responsibility of religious leaders across all main religions to take a stand against the practice. You can also download a leaflet on FGM and Islam for families.