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.
Section: FGM
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) – Frequently Asked Questions
A list of the most frequently asked questions on FGM.
Scotland’s National Action Plan to Tackle FGM (2016-2020)
This National Action Plan builds on work that has been happening across Scotland, bringing together best practice alongside Scotland’s national plan, and will help ensure that the necessary steps are taken to put Scotland’s commitment to protecting girls and women from harm into practice.
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.
Best Practice Guideline: A universal FGM flowchart and reporting tool
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.
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.
Traditional and Local Terminology for FGM
This document contains the traditional and local terms for Female Genital Mutilation by country and language. We recommend you ask the family what word they would use to describe FGM and you can use this document to help guide your discussion.
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.
Engaging Midwives in the Global Campaign to End FGM
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.
Patient Information Leaflet: FGM
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.