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.
Document Type: Research/Reports
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.
Roots, realities and responsibilities: Lessons learnt in tackling witchcraft accusations against children.
This study explores the scale and scope of witchcraft accusations across the world, the belief systems that support them, the impact on the children themselves and how to effective challenge this type of abuse.
Nigeria: FGM and the Law
A document by 28 to Many that explores the law around FGM in Nigeria, breaking down international and regional treaties signed and ratified by the government.
Female Genital Mutilation in Iraqi-Kurdistan: an Empirical Study
The present investigation was begun in 2007. Its aim is to overcome the shortage of reliable data on female genital mutilation in Kurdish northern Iraq and to collect information on both the motives underlying the procedure and the circumstance in which it takes place. Such information is essential in two respects: on the one hand, it can form the basis for further educational work in the field and, on the other, it may help us to counteract the still widespread ignorance about the plight of girls and women in Kurdish northern Iraq. As regards the latter aspect, two further points need emphasizing: firstly, that FGM is not exclusively an African problem and, secondly, that the practice violates universal human rights and is a crime against the physical integrity and sexual autonomy of women.
A systematic review of doctors’ experiences and needs to support the care of women with female genital mutilation
Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or other injury for non-therapeutic reasons. Little is known about the knowledge and skills of doctors who care for affected women and their practice in relation to FGM. This reviews aims to examine the FGM experiences and educational needs of doctors.
Evidence to inform education, training and supportive work environments for midwives involved in the care of women with female genital mutilation: a review of global experience.
The aim of this study was to identify how midwives in low and middle income countries (LMIC) and high income countries (HIC) care for women with female genital mutilation (FGM), their perceived challenges and what professional development and workplace strategies might better support midwives to provide appropriate quality care.
The role of men in abandonment of female genital mutilation: a systematic review
Men in their roles as fathers, husbands, community and religious leaders may play a pivotal part in the continuation of female genital mutilation (FGM). However, the research on their views of FGM and their potential role in its abandonment are not well described. This review undertook a systematic review of all publications between 2004 and 2014 that explored men’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours in regards to FGM, as well as their ideas about FGM prevention and abandonment.