The Councillor’s Guide aims to give councillors an introduction to the issues surrounding FGM, and give some consideration as to how it can be tackled in their areas.The Guide identifies three ways Councillors can play a role in tackling FGM.
Profession: Lawyer/Barrister/Solicitor
Female genital mutilation: a family practitioner’s perspective (Subscription to journal required)
Discusses female genital mutilation (FGM) in relation to family lawyers. Argues that although FGM may not cross the paths of family lawyers on a daily basis, they need to be aware of it in order to help minimise risk and ensure that the court has sufficient information to understand and adjudicate on the issues.
Re B and G (Care Proceedings: FGM)
This article analyses the President’s ruling in Re B and G (Care Proceedings: FGM) (No 2) [2015] EWFC 3, [2015] 1 FLR (forthcoming and reported at [2015] Fam Law 257) which addressed FGM in the context of care proceedings for the first time. The case underlines the importance of using expert witnesses to assess whether a child has been subjected to FGM. It also discusses male circumcision and parallels with FGM.
FGM Screening Toolkit for Family Lawyers
Family law organisation Resolution has published a screening toolkit for family lawyers who are working with families that may be affected by FGM. The toolkit provides an assessment guide for professionals including: tips for opening up a conversation and a list of suggested screening questions.
FGM Protection Orders
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.
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 This report presents a summary of findings from original fieldwork and a review of unpublished academic reports and one quantitative study conducted in all ten regions of Cameroon by GIZ in 2005
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.