The Istanbul Convention has been signed by 39 countries and came into force on August 2014. This section on FGM outlines the responsibilities of European states to prevent the practice in Europe and protect survivors, and to ensure cross-border cooperation to bring perpetrators to justice.
Document Type: Research/Reports
Re B and G (Care Proceedings: FGM)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.