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.
Section: FGM
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.
“Between Two Cultures”: A Rapid PEER Study Exploring Migrant Communities’ Views on FGM in Essex and Norfolk, UK
This report shares the findings from a rapid PEER study, carried out by migrant women and men living in Norfolk and Essex, UK. 18 Peer Researchers, were recruited through local community organisations and trained and supported by FORWARD and Barnardo’s to design and carry out conversational interviews with their peers focusing on life in the UK, and Female Genital Mutilation.
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.
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.
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.
Stakeholder Consultation Events: Exploring local best-practice in FGM prevention.
The National FGM Centre works with experts around the country to inform and develop services. As part of that process, it is organising a number of stakeholder events around England. The Stakeholder events are held in informal settings in the style of ‘world-cafe’ to encourage open discussions and the sharing of learning.
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.
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.
In the best interests of the child: preventing female genital cutting (FGC) (Subscription to journal required)
Overview of the international literature exploring Female Genital Cutting (FGC). Addresses the prevalence of FGC, its cultural and social origins, effective prevention strategies, legislative responses and education and health promotion programmes. Authors argue that practitioners in Western countries should be equipped to assist practising communities to recognise the harm of FGC and to change attitudes and practices.