Families travelling overseas to countries where FGM is prevalent should take this statement with them. The passports can be downloaded in several languages. They can show it to their families as it clarifies that FGM is a serious criminal offence in the UK with a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison for anyone found guilty. Overseas relatives, or whoever is caring for them abroad, may also be guilty of an offence if they fail to protect all family members from FGM being carried out.
Profession: All Professionals
In defence of genital autonomy for children
Should we offer ‘mild’ female genital alteration in the manner of male circumcision as a safe alternative to FGM? This commentary was written in response to an opinion piece by two American gynaecologists that argued for de-minimise female genital alteration procedures as a safe alternative to FGM, in the manner of male circumcision.
NHS Specialist Services for Female Genital Mutilation
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.
Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in England and Wales: National and local estimates
This report contains estimates of the numbers of women with female genital mutilation (FGM) living in England and Wales, the numbers of women with FGM giving birth and the numbers of girls born to women with FGM. Headline figures for England and Wales as a whole were published in an interim report.
Female Genital Mutilation: E-Learning for Professionals
This free online training course helps frontline professionals develop skills to identify and help girls at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM). Provides: an overview of FGM; professional responsibilities in FGM cases; information on how to prevent FGM; and how to support those who have been subjected to it. Although not exhaustive, the course enables professionals to develop a basic understanding of FGM and their role in protecting girls at risk.
Working with community organisations to end FGM
Working with FGM survivors, communities affected by FGM and grass-roots organisations is vital in the work to end FGM and should be incorporated in all aspects of FGM prevention work.
Information sharing: Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers
Information sharing is vital to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. A key factor identified in many serious case reviews (SCRs) has been a failure by practitioners to record information, to share it, to understand its significance and then take appropriate action.
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.
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.
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.