Post on 06-Feb-2020
FGM – What is it?
The World Health organisation
defines female genital mutilation
(FGM) as ‘all procedures involving
partial or total removal of the
external female genitalia, or other
injury to the female genital organs
for non-medical reasons.’
FGM is prevalent as
a cultural ritual in 28
African countries as
well as in parts of
the Middle East and
Asia.
In the communities where it is practiced,
people don’t necessary recognise that it
is “mutilation”. Professionals will need to
understand what other terms are used.
It may be called
“cutting” or terms
relating to coming of
age, becoming a
woman or purification.
Research the words
used in the community
where you work.
Whilst accepted in
a parts of the
world, FGM is
recognised
internationally as
a violation of
Human Rights and
is illegal in the
United Kingdom.
'Needlecraft' is a three minute
animated film aimed at raising
awareness of female genital
mutilation (FGM) in the UK.
Developed by FORWARD and
Animage Films with support from
the End FGM Guardian Global
Media Campaign.
Click here to see the video – warning, upsetting images
1. Clitoridectomy removal of
clitoris
2. Excision above and labia
minora
3. Infibulation narrowing the
vagina
4. Other harmful genital
procedures
Four Categories of FGM
Short-term: severe pain, emotional
and psychological shock,
haemorrhage, wound infections,
urinary retention, injury to adjacent
tissues, fracture of dislocation as a
result of restraint, damage to other
organs.
Consequences of FGM
Long-term: chronic infections, difficulties
with menstruation, difficulties in passing
urine and chronic urine infections,
possible renal failure, infertility,
infibulation cysts, neuromas and keloid
scar formation, complications in
pregnancy, pain during sex and lack of
pleasurable sensation, psychological
damage, increased risk of HIV and other
sexually transmitted infections, death.
Consequences of FGM
Female Circumcision Prohibition Act
1985 criminalised mutilation of genitalia
Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003,
reaffirming the 1985 Act, with the
inclusion that it is also an offence to
carry out, aid, abet counsel or procure
the carrying out of FGM in the UK
regardless of nationality and residence
status
FGM Legal Position
Although prevalence of FGM may be
high – as many as 187 thousand girls
and women affected in the UK,
prosecutions are very low.
Lack of prosecutions may be as result of
lack of awareness, cultural sensitivity,
reluctance of those affected to speak out
about, what is, a hidden practice.
Enforcement
FGM Protection Order
A FGM PO is a civil measure
that can be applied through
the family court. The
Protection Order offers the
means of protecting actual or
potential victims from FGM
under civil law.
Who Can Apply for FGM PO
• The person who is to be protected by
the order
• a relevant third party (such as the
local authority); or
• any other person with the permission
of the court (for example, teachers,
health care professionals, police,
family member).
FGM – The Bottom Line
FGM is a harmful practice to women
and girls
Where children are the victims FGM
is CHILD ABUSE
Professionals shouldn’t allow
allegations of racism to deter action.
FGM – Misconceptions
1. It’s like male
circumcision
2. It’s a religious
practice
3. It is carried out by
men to control
women
FGM – Why?
The motivation being FGM seems
to be connected with a wish to
de-sexualise women
In many communities and
countries it is difficult for women
to marry who have not been “cut”
Risk Factors
• Families who are less integrated
• Family history of FGM
• Older sister = very high risk
• Girl withdrawn from school for a
long period
Signs of Imminent FGM
• Child telling others
about a “special party”
or “becoming a woman
• Older relative visiting
form country of origin
• Going on a long
holiday
• Child asking for help at
home
Signs that FGM Has
Happened
• Difficulty walking, sitting or standing
• Frequent urinary/menstrual
problems
• Behaviour change on return from
long trip
• Reluctance to undergo medical
examination
FGM – Why Bother Getting
Involved?
Those effected can be helped with the
consequences
Other family members can be
safeguarded
It is a criminal offence!
FGM – What to do
FGM is child abuse and should be
responded to like other serious
incidents of physical abuse
Contact the Children’s Access Point
cap@westsussex.gcsx.gov.uk
01403 229 900
FGM – Other resources
Home Office E-learning course
http://www.fgmelearning.co.uk/
Useful websites
Orchid Project
Equality Now Campaign
WSSCB FGM page