This briefing highlights what breast ironing is, the consequence (legally, physically and emotionally), the law in the UK, key research on the practice and the reasons why families may practice it. MP Jake Berry used this for a speech in parliament about the issue.
Document Type: Research/Reports
National FGM Centre: an evaluation of the second phase
The evaluation of the second phase (1 April 2016 – 31 March 2017) focused on assessing the impact of the pilot on services and members of potentially-affected communities, while concentrating more closely on the model of delegated authority and on the support given to families above and below statutory social care intervention thresholds. This evaluation draws out lessons from the NFGMC’s work for best practice in the children’s services response to FGM, and for collaboration between services and communities.
Understanding Breast “Ironing”: A study of the methods, motivations and outcomes of Breast Flattening in Cameroon
This report presents the findings of research examining the practice of breast ironing or breast flattening in Cameroon. Breast ironing or flattening is a practice common in Cameroon and throughout West Africa whereby an object is used to massage, pound, or press the breasts flat. This report presents a summary of findings from original fieldwork and a review of unpublished academic reports and one quantitative study conducted in all ten regions of Cameroon by GIZ in 2005
The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime Female Genital Mutilation Early Intervention Model: An Evaluation
The MOPAC female genital mutilation (FGM) early intervention model looks at ways to prevent new cases of FGM among women and girls, while supporting those affected by FGM.
Breast Ironing: A harmful practice that has been secret for to long
This research presents information on breast ironing from the perspective of a Cameroonian NGO working to reduce violence against women and girls. The research calls for the practice to be recognised as female to female violence.
Female Mutilation (Book)
Read the harrowing stories of women who have been genitally mutilated, their accounts of survival and their determination to end this injustice. This book covers the controversial cultural practice that is taking place around the world including in Western countries where it is illegal. This book covers this controversial cultural practice that is taking place around the world including in Western countries where it is illegal. Read the harrowing stories of women who have been genitally mutilated, their accounts of survival and their determination to end this injustice.
Statement on the first FGM Conviction
This is the statement from the National FGM Centre regarding the first FGM conviction in the UK. Click ‘Read More’ to find out more about the case.
Eradicating Female Genital Mutilation: A UK Perspective (Book)
This handbook details the present situation with regard to female genital mutilation (FGM) in Britain, referring also to other Western nations where FGM occurs. It scrutinises current pathways to eradicating this dangerous, sometimes lethal, form of child abuse and gender-related violence. The cultural and belief systems giving rise to FGM are complex. Further, FGM is an intensely intimate matter often imposed on young and vulnerable children. Approaches to its eradication therefore demand considerable human insight and a competent grasp of inter-/cross-agency working.The vulnerabilities and need for protection of victims and potential victims are paramount, but these pressing priorities do not lessen the requirement that all aspects of FGM be dealt with straightforwardly in accordance with the law.
Culture and faith: learning from case reviews
Summary of risk factors and learning for improved practice around culture and faith. Published case reviews highlight that professionals sometimes lack the knowledge and confidence to work with families from different cultures and religions. The learning from these reviews highlights that professionals need to take into account families’ cultural and religious context when undertaking assessments and offering support. The rights and needs of the child need to remain the focus of interventions at all times, regardless of this context.
The Clitoral Hood – A Contested Site: Khafd or Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in India
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) amongst Bohras in India has gained systematic public attention since 2012. This anti-FGM/C movement seeks to end the practice through legal reform in India and by raising community awareness about the impact of the harmful traditional practice.
The current study contributes to the small body of existing research studies on FGM/C in India. It not only builds evidence of the existence of the practice in India today, but also seeks to document survivors’ experiences of the harmful impacts of Khafd as practiced by Bohras.