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COVID-19 and Gender Based Violence
Date: 2020
An infographic highlighting the link between COVID-19 and gender based violence including domestic abuse and access to services.
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Question Guide for Social Workers: Exploring Faith or Belief within an Assessment
Date: 2019
Depending on the information shared in the referral, this question guide can be used by social workers to ensure that faith or belief is explored with families within a holistic assessment, to assess the impact faith or belief has on parenting practices and capacity. Social workers should use their professional judgement regarding which questions are relevant and appropriate to ask.
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FGM Online Assessment Tool for Social Workers
Date: 2018
Use this tool to help assess cases where there is a concern around FGM.
The tool will help you identify:
- what risks are present
- what safety factors are present or need to be developed
- other information to help you decide what steps to take
It usually takes about 15 minutes to complete.
This is to be used by social work practitioners only and does not replace professional judgement
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Potential Health Consequences of FGM: Infographic
Date: 2022
This infographic, developed by the National FGM Centre, covers the health consequences of each type of FGM. This includes both short and long term. This can be used with professionals, families and communities to educate around the harmful consequences of FGM.
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FGM Direct Work Toolkit
Date: 2019
This Toolkit is to support professionals educate and explore views with children and parent(s)/carer(s) on FGM. The pack contains activity plans, resources and more to enable professionals to work effectively with families and children around FGM. This Toolkit has been designed to be used by social workers and family support workers with parent(s)/carer(s), children and young people.
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FGM Protection Order Leaflet
Date: 2019
This leaflet explores what FGM Protection Orders are, who can apply and how they can be used. This resource is aimed at families, but can be useful for professionals who want to know more about FGMPO’s.
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FGM Medical Examination: Animation
Date: 2018
This animation has been developed to help prepare a girl who is due to undergo an examination. The animation follows the story of Lisa, exploring what happens at different stages and prompts for the child to ask questions.
This booklet has been designed to be used by social workers with children.
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FGM Medical Examination: Good Practice
Date: 2018
This booklet has been designed to share good practice around the medical examination required to determine whether a girl has undergone FGM or not, and facilitate conversation with parent(s)/ carer(s) and professionals.
This booklet has been designed to be used by social workers with parent(s)/carer(s) and other professionals.
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Roots, realities and responsibilities: Lessons learnt in tackling witchcraft accusations against children.
Date: 2017
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.
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Practice Reflection for FGM and Harmful Practices
Date: 2018
This tool is to be used by social workers when reflecting on FGM and other harmful practices (e.g breast flattening or child abuse linked to faith or belief) cases. Social workers should use this tool to reflect on their practice throughout a case. Social workers should aim to use this tool prior to supervision with their manager, and on an ongoing basis to then discuss within regular supervisions.
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A systematic review of doctors’ experiences and needs to support the care of women with female genital mutilation
Date: 2015
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.
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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.
Date: 2015
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.
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Obstetric outcomes for women with female genital mutilation at an Australian hospital, 2006-2012: a descriptive study.
Date: 2016
Women, who have been subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM), can suffer serious and irreversible physical, psychological and psychosexual complications. They have more adverse obstetric outcomes as compared to women without FGM. Exploratory studies suggest radical change to abandonment of FGM by communities after migration to countries where FGM is not prevalent. Women who had been subjected to FGM as a child in their countries of origin, require specialised healthcare to reduce complications and further suffering. This study compared obstetric outcomes in women with FGM to women without FGM who gave birth in a metropolitan Australian hospital with expertise in holistic FGM management.
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Care of women and girls living with female genital mutilation: a clinical handbook
Date: 2018
This publication distils the evidence-informed recommendations into a practical and user-friendly tool for everyday use by health-care providers. It covers a wide range of health topics in nine chapters, ranging from basic knowledge and communication skills to management of a range of complications. Moreover, it describes how to offer first-line mental and sexual health support as part of comprehensive care to address multiple aspects of women’s health and well-being.
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FGM Training Pack for African Diaspora Communities: Teachers Guide
This pack from 28 to Many contains two lesson plans, of approximately 50 minutes each. It could also be used in smaller bite size sessions as each lesson is clearly divided into a few sections.This resource is designed for use in secondary schools but could also be used in youth and community groups. The material is aimed at students, specifically those between the ages of 12 and 14. There are accompanying powerpoint slides and a video that should be used with this resource, they can both be found following the read more link.
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FGM Legislation in the UK – Infographic
Date: 2018
A one-page infographic that highlights the key pieces of legislation in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This includes information on Mandatory Reporting Duties, FGM Specific Laws and the Serious Crime Act 2015.
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Female Genital Mutilation: Standards for training healthcare professionals
Date: 2018
NHS organisations have statutory guidance and responsibilities to make sure that staff are appropriately training in relation to Female genital mutilation (FGM). These training standards set out how to achieve this. This document breaks down the training requirements for all staff up to those in specialised roles.
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Commissioning services to meet the needs of women and girls with Female genital mutilation (FGM)
Date: 2018
This document contains recommendations for commissioners to make sure services meet the needs of women and girls with Female genital mutilation (FGM) and to safeguard those at risk. This includes top 10 recommendations for commissioning quality services.
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FGM Good Practice Guidance for Social Workers
Date: 2018
We have developed guidance for Social Workers that takes them from how to review the referral, a question guide for reviewing the referral, an online FGM assessment tool and next steps pathways. The guidance is part of our FGM Assessment Tool, click on read more to access the online Tool.
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FGM Clinics in the UK
Date: 2017
A list containing the details of all the FGM Specialist clinics in the UK. These clinics may vary in services but many will offer the option of examining women to identify the type of FGM they have undergone.
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UNICEF Data on FGM – Brochure
Date: 2016
This UNICEF Brochure includes information on the practice of FGM across the world, including prevalence, changing attitudes and the work that UNICEF is doing to end the practice.
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What is FGM? (Leaflet)
Date: 2016
This leaflet has been created by the National FGM Centre to help educate professionals and families on Female Genital Mutilation. Topics include what FGM is, the consequences and what to do if you are worried.
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Where has breast ironing/flattening been recorded to happen? (Map)
Date: 2017
This map highlights the countries where research has shown Breast Ironing to be preavelent. Even though some countries are not highlighted, this does not mean Breast Ironing cannot happen there. Breast Ironing can happen anywhere in the world. This data is taken from Understanding Breast “Ironing” A study of methods, motivations and outcomes of breast flattening practices in Cameroon, Tapscott. R, 2012.
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Discussing FGM with pupils in primary schools
The issue of how to approach the topic of FGM with a younger age group in primary schools was one St Werburgh’s Primary School and Integrate Bristol was determined to address, particularly as they are more vulnerable.
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Provision for confirming suspected FGM in children
Date: 2016
Confirmation that FGM has been carried out may be required as part of a safeguarding or criminal investigation and a timely appointment should be arranged for a physical examination as soon as possible.
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The Children in Need Census 2016/17
Date: 2016/7
This report from the Department for Education, contains information regarding children referred to and assessed by children’s social services for the year ending 31 March 2017. This includes cases where FGM and Abuse Linked to Faith and Belief were identified.
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FGM Protection Orders
Date: 2015
FGM protection orders (FGMPO) offer a legal means to protect and safeguard victims and potential victims of FGM. You can apply for a protection order if you or someone you know is at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM). This will help to keep you (or the person you know) safe from another person (the ‘respondent’). Someone else (eg from a local authority) can also apply for a protection order on your behalf.
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A rapid literature review of evidence on child abuse linked to faith or belief
Date: 2012
Literature review investigating child abuse linked to faith or belief. Looks at incidence; characteristics and context of faith based abuse; good practice and lessons learned; and gaps in evidence. Concludes that the numbers of children affected are probably relatively small but under-reported. Neglect and physical abuse were found to be the most common types of abuse in these cases. Recommends better recording of child abuse linked to faith or belief; more support and training for professionals; and more research into the area.
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Understanding Breast “Ironing”: A study of the methods, motivations and outcomes of Breast Flattening in Cameroon
Date: 2012
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
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Good FGM Referral Guide
Date: 2016
This is a guide for professionals who are thinking about making a referral and what to know what information to include. This guide can also be used by safeguarding advisors who are looking to gather more information on a referral.
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Keeping your girls safe from FGM (Leaflet)
This leaflet is for parents to help raise awareness of FGM and the law, especially around the holiday season.
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FGM and Islam (Leaflet)
This is a leaflet produced by FORWARD that can be given to families who believe FGM is an Islamic requirement.
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KS3 Lesson Plans – FGM
These lesson plans have been written to raise awareness of the practice of FGM and to inform young people of the facts and issues, and how and where to get help if they need to. In order to inform and facilitate the exploration of attitudes around FGM, it is important for young men as well as young women to take part in these lessons.
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Provision for confirming suspected FGM in children
Date: 2016
Confirmation that FGM has been carried out may be required as part of a safeguarding or criminal investigation and a timely appointment should be arranged for a physical examination as soon as possible.
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Let’s Talk FGM – for Health
Date: 2017
Let’s Talk FGM is a website to assist professionals to make the sensitive enquiry about FGM. It incorporates key information on the impact of FGM, why it happens, the law, how to protect children and suggests support for survivors. The site is also available in an Ipad App.
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Survivors Voices – Video
Date: 2015
Journalist and broadcaster Susan Bookbinder talks with four women about how they would like to see professionals hold sensitive conversations about female genital mutilation, including what actions to take to safeguard vulnerable girls.
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What is FGM – Video
Date: 2012
Video produced by NHS Choices that covers what FGM is, the 4 types of FGM and the consequences of the practice.
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FGM – Presentation for training
This powerpoint can be used to help professionals understand FGM as a form of child abuse and to be better able to identify and respond to it. Includes information on mandatory reporting, risk indicators and safeguarding duties.
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Safeguarding children’s rights: exploring issues of witchcraft and spirit possession in London’s African communities.
Date: 2011
The Safeguarding Children’s Rights initiative was established in 2007 in response to concerns raised by African community groups about faith-based child abuse linked to a belief in spirit possession in London communities. This report evaluates the work of four community organisations funded by the project. Also outlines the context, including the background to witchcraft and spirit possession in the UK and the African context for child protection and children’s rights.
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Child Abuse Linked to Accusations of “Possession” and “Witchcraft”
Date: 2006
This report concerns the frequency and severity of child abuse linked to accusations of “possession” and “witchcraft”. It identifies key features common to these cases, draws conclusions and makes recommendations. The report is based on desk research and discussions with social workers, school teachers, police officers, voluntary workers and others who had knowledge of aspects of the subject.
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Tackling faith based abuse in African communities
Date: 2014
Charles Rukwengye of APORENET explains the findings of a five-year programme understanding and tackling ritual abuse in African communities
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Harmful traditional practices affecting women and girls (Factsheet)
Factsheet containing information on harmful traditional practices including FGM, Early/Forced Marriage, Son Preference, Honor Crimes and Violence or Murder related to Dowry Payment.
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Multi-agency statutory guidance on FGM
Date: 2016
This multi-agency guidance on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) published in April 2016 should be read and followed by all persons and bodies in England and Wales who are under statutory duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. This document includes guidance on FGM and the law, talking about FGM and risk indicators.
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Training Toolkit for Professionals Engaging with Minority Ethnic Culture and Faith
Date: 2011
Training toolkit aimed at helping professionals to develop effective practices for protecting and promoting the welfare of children living in circumstances which appear to be complex because of their faith, culture or nationality. Topics covered include: female genital mutilation; children with disabilities; forced marriage; domestic violence; sexual exploitation; trafficked children.
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NHS Specialist Services for Female Genital Mutilation
Date: 2016
The document provides a list of NHS Specialist services for survivors of Female Genital Mutilation. Women who have undergone Type 3 FGM can access de-infibulation services (opening up). The clinics provide services for both pregnant and non-pregnant women and some of the clinics also provide counselling and emotional support.
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FGM Risk and Safeguarding: Guidance for Health Professionals
Date: 2017
Practical help to support NHS organisations developing new safeguarding policies and procedures for female genital mutilation (FGM). It can be used by health professionals from all sectors, particularly designated and named safeguarding leads, and local safeguarding children board members. Based on existing NHS best practice. Includes the Department of Health Risk Assessment Tool and Safeguarding Pathways
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NHS Scotland Specialist Services for FGM
This service is for pregnant and non-pregnant women. They aim to see women two weeks after her booking scan (pregnant women) or 2 weeks after referral. They provide support for women with FGM, a de-infibulation service for women with Type III FGM and referral service for counselling.
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WHO guidelines on the management of health complications from FGM
Date: 2016
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.
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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.
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A systematic review of doctors’ experiences and needs to support the care of women with FGM. (Subscription to journal required)
Date: 2015
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.
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Commissioning Services To Support Women and Girls with FGM
Date: 2015
This document sets out some key considerations when embarking upon the process to commission services to support FGM survivors. It reflects the standards and characteristics which have developed where commissioning in this area has been successful and sets out particular elements which should either always be considered or provided.
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Delivering compassionate care in school nursing: A case of female genital mutilation. (Requires subscription to journal)
Date: 2013
This article examines a case study of a school nurse’s involvement with a family at risk of FGM. Although the children were safeguarded appropriately, opportunities were missed to support the family to address the psychological impact of FGM. Specialist services designed to work with communities where FGM is practiced exist around the UK but are few in number and have limited resources.
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Assessing and managing FGM in the practice. (Subscription to journal required)
Date: 2014
Comfort Momoh MBE discusses female genital mutilation and the practice nurse’s role in identifying and providing care for victims and those at risk. Includes checklist.
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Speaking with women about FGM (Video)
Date: 2016
Journalist and broadcaster Susan Bookbinder talks with four women about how they would like to see professionals hold sensitive conversations about female genital mutilation (FGM), including what actions to take to safeguard vulnerable girls.
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FGM Questionnaire for Health Professionals
This questionnaire was developed by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust to assess the likelihood that FGM has happened to a patient, their attitudes towards the practice, understanding of legislation and to assess the potential risk to girl children. It can be adopted by NHS Trusts to enable them to fulfil health professionals recording, reporting and safeguarding responsibilities.
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eLearning to Improve Awareness and Understanding of FGM (Health)
The e-FGM educational programme has been developed by Health Education England e-Learning for Healthcare and is provided free to all healthcare professionals, including school nurses, practice nurses, health visitors and GPs.
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Maternity guidelines for the care of women who have been affected by FGM
Date: 2012
These guidelines have been produced to support the policy of asking all women at their booking appointment whether they have experienced any form of surgery to their genitals including female genital mutilation.
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Engaging Midwives in the Global Campaign to End FGM
Date: 2014
UNFPA is mobilizing midwives in the prevention and care of FGM through a joint initiative in the context of the UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Programme on FGM/C and the UNFPA Midwifery Programme. Building on the expertise and networks of the two global programmes, UNFPA will empower midwives to serve as role models, counsellors and advocates in the campaign to end FGM.
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Patient Information Leaflet: FGM
Date: 2015
The Department of Health Patient Information Leaflet provides basic information about FGM and the law and informs patients about recording and reporting practices on the NHS. It can be ordered in a range of community languages from the Department of Health.
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FGM: RCN guidance for travel health services
Date: 2016
This publication acts as a supplement to Female Genital Mutilation: An RCN Resource for Nursing and Midwifery Practice (2016) and focuses on professionals working in travel health services.
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FGM Pocket Guide (A guide for health professionals)
Date: 2016
This guide for health professionals contains information on what FGM is, the health complications, the law and safeguarding duties.
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Female genital mutilation: RCN guidance for sexual health care
Date: 2016
This publication focuses on those professionals working in sexual health care services, and their safeguarding duties regarding FGM. Including pathways and guidance.
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FGM Risk and Safeguarding Guidance for Health
Date: 2016
This guide has been created to help health professionals identify and assess the risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) for patients in your care and to support the discussion with patients and family members.
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FGM Leaflet: for pregnant women
Date: 2017
This leaflet is for pregnant women who have disclosed or have been identified as having FGM. It explains why a case may be referred to social care, what the law and health consequences are and links to how a family can protect their daughter. The leaflet also shows a diagram of the female genitalia that is labelled for women to be able to identify the types of FGM.
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FGM Statement for Communities (Scotland)
Date: Unknown
A statement for communities explaining What are the health consequences of FGM, How health services can help, FGM and the Law, What to do if you are concerned about a girl at risk of FGM and Other Organisations that can help.
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Best Practice Guideline: A universal FGM flowchart and reporting tool
Date: 2017
A practical pathway to support staff compliance with the process of working with a female (adult or child) at risk of undergoing FGM or who has previously undergone FGM.