Female Genital

Mutilation An overview for WSSCB partner

agency staff

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