This article analyses the President’s ruling in Re B and G (Care Proceedings: FGM) (No 2) [2015] EWFC 3, [2015] 1 FLR (forthcoming and reported at [2015] Fam Law 257) which addressed FGM in the context of care proceedings for the first time. The case underlines the importance of using expert witnesses to assess whether a child has been subjected to FGM. It also discusses male circumcision and parallels with FGM.
Document Type: Research/Reports
Tackling Female Genital Mutilation in Scotland: A Scottish model of intervention
The scoping study, carried out by Scottish Refugee Council with the support of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, identifies populations across Scotland potentially affected by female genital mutilation and sets out a number of recommendations for prevention and response interventions.
‘It’s only a tradition’: making sense of eradication interventions and the persistence of female ‘circumcision’ within a Swedish context
This paper questions why female circumcision (FC) persists despite eradication interventions and the migration of people to non-practising countries and discusses the reasoning of Somali immigrants on female circumcision.
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.
Tackling FGM in the UK: What works in Community-based prevention
Summary of the findings from the external evaluation of a 3-year initiative to tackle FGM through community-based prevention. Finds that rejection of FGM has increased in areas where community-based preventive work is taking place. Outlines the successful strategies employed by community groups and makes recommendations for policymakers.
In the best interests of the child: preventing female genital cutting (FGC) (Subscription to journal required)
Overview of the international literature exploring Female Genital Cutting (FGC). Addresses the prevalence of FGC, its cultural and social origins, effective prevention strategies, legislative responses and education and health promotion programmes. Authors argue that practitioners in Western countries should be equipped to assist practising communities to recognise the harm of FGC and to change attitudes and practices.
My Voice: Participatory Action Research Project with Men, Women and Young People on FGM
My Voice is a 2016 innovative participatory action research project, with affected communities on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Scotland. The project aims are to facilitate community engagement on FGM with women, men, young people and religious leaders to enable their voices to be heard and contribute to the development of awareness raising around FGM as well as ensuring culturally appropriate services for Scotland.
“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.
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.