Female Genital Mutilation – FGM

What is female genital mutilation?

Female genital mutilation is a procedure carried out on girls where all or part of their external genitals (clitoris/inner labia/outer labia) are removed for non-medical reasons.

World Health Organisation

It has no health benefits and harms girls and women in many ways.

If you think you, or someone else is at risk of FGM please tell someone you trust.

The law and FGM

Practising FGM is a criminal act in the UK and is a violation of the rights of girls and women.

It is illegal to help, support or arrange for FGM to be performed on a girl in this country. It is also illegal to take a girl outside the UK to have FGM carried out.

The offence can result in 14years in prison or a fine- or both.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger call the police on 999

FGM Help and support

Talk to a trusted adult about the situation.

Childline  call 08001111 which is a 24 hr free helpline www.childline.org.uk

Forward www.forwarduk.org.uk for girls and women affected by FGM.

Afruca www.afruca.org.uk Manchester Centre for Children and Families 0161 205 9274 (Mon-Fri 08:30-17:30)

The Guardian Project Information Leaflet  Care and support for girls and young women affected by FGM.  Call 07449 651 677 or email: guardian.project@outlook.com

If you are worried about a child call the NSPCC 24/7 helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk