Female Genital Mutilation

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8. Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to procedures that intentionally alter, injure or remove female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is a serious form of violence against women and girls, a form of child abuse, and a criminal offence in the UK, under the Female Genital Mutilation Act (2003) and the Serious Crime Act (2015).

FGM has no health benefits and can cause significant physical, psychological and emotional harm. The practice is most commonly carried out on girls during childhood, although it can occur at different ages depending on cultural practices. The UK law also applied where arrangements are made for a girl to be taken abroad for FGM. Not all girls will display obvious signs, which is why taking concerns seriously and reporting them early is important.

Understanding the risks

FGM can have immediate and lifelong consequences.

Physical impacts include:

Severe pain and trauma
Excessive bleeding and infection
Difficulties passing urine and menstrual blood
Long-term sexual and reproductive health complications
Pregnancy and childbirth complications
Sexual health complications
In the most serious cases, death

Emotional and psychological effects may include:

Anxiety and depression
Post-traumatic stress and trauma
Feelings of fear, isolation and shame
Low self-esteem and loss of confidence
Difficulties trusting others
Self-ham and suicidal thoughts

FGM is often linked to beliefs around family honour, marriageability, cultural identity or social acceptance. However, it is not required by any major religion and is recognised internationally as a violation of the rights of women and girls. Some girls may be pressured into FGM by family or community members who believe it is necessary for social acceptance, marriage, family, honour or cultural identity.

Safeguarding concerns

You may be at increased risk of FGM if:

There is a family history of FGM such as that a mother, sister or other female relative has undergone FGM
Relatives are discussing a ‘special ceremony’, ‘becoming a woman’ or a celebration linked to travel abroad
There are plans for an overseas trip that makes you feel worried or unsafe
You are being pressured to undergo a procedure you do not want

If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and seek help

If you’re worried about someone else:

Contact your local children’s social care team
Report concerns to police
Do not attempt to mediate with family members yourself if doing so could increase the risk to the child

Warnings signs about someone else:

A girl talking about a special ceremony or becoming a woman
Extended absences from school
Family plans for travel to a country where FGM is practiced
Expressions of a fear or anxiety about an upcoming trip
A girl suddenly becoming withdrawn or distressed

Signs FGM may already have taken place:

Difficulty sitting, standing or walking
Frequent absences from school
Ongoing pain or discomfort
Changes in behaviour, confidence or wellbeing

What Can You Do?

If you are at risk of FGM

Speak to someone you trust such as a teacher, safeguarding lead, healthcare professional, worker or police officer
Contact a support organisation for confidential advice
If you believe you are in immediate danger, call 999
If you are worried about being taken abroad for FGM, seek help prior to travelling
You do not need to face the situation alone

If you are concerned about someone else

Take concerns seriously
Listen without judgement
Do not promise to keep information secret if a child may be at risk
Report concerns to the police, children social services or a safeguarding professional
If there is an immediate risk of harm, call 999
Early reporting can prevent abuse from happening