These guidelines provide recommendations for psychological therapists and counsellors working with women who have undergone female genital mutilation / cutting (FGM/C). They are designed to facilitate therapy with adult women and not children.
Profession: All Professionals
Child Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief – Leaflet
This leaflet contains information on what CALFB is, the risk indicators and signs a child is undergoing CALFB and what professionals should do if they are concerned.
FGM Legislation in the UK – Infographic
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.
FGM Protection Order: Data
Information on applications and FGM Protection Orders granted via Family Court Statistics.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) – Frequently Asked Questions
A list of the most frequently asked questions on FGM.
Male Circumcision: London Safeguarding Children Board Child Protection Procedures
Guidance and procedures regarding male circumcision. Male circumcision is legal in the UK, if both parents agree, but this does not mean it cannot be a safeguarding issue.
The Serious Crime Act: 2015
Section 70(1) of the Serious Crime Act 2015 amends section 4 of the FGM Act 2003 to extend the extra-territorial powers of the law to further protect victims of FGM. It also introduces victim anonymity to victims of FGM similar to that of victims of sexual exploitation. The Serious Crime Act introduces civil measures to protect girls or women who have suffered or are believed to be at risk from FGM. It also introduces a mandatory reporting duty to report known cases of FGM that applies to all regulated professionals.
Female Genital Mutilation Act: 2003
Under the 2003 Act, a person is guilty of an offence if they excise, infibulate or otherwise mutilate the whole or any part of a girl’s or woman’s labia majora, labia minora or clitoris for non-medical reasons. Any person found guilty of an offence under the FGMAct is liable to a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment. The Act covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the nationality or residence status of the victim is irrelevant.
Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been unlawful in Scotland since 1985 by virtue of the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985. The 2005 Act re-enacts the existing offences in the 1985 Act, and extends protection by giving those offences extra-territorial effect in order to protect those being sent abroad to have FGM carried out.
Let’s talk about vaginas…FGM: The failure of international obligations and how to end an abusive cultural tradition
FGM is not related to any specific colour or religion, but to a patriarchal system. This article explores its history and culture, and explains that tackling the practice of FGM has been affected by estimated data and the failure to implement decades of international obligations.