What is Female Genital Mutilation?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines female genital mutilation as comprising all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is extremely painful and has serious health consequences both at the time when the mutilation is carried out and in later life.
The age at which girls undergo FGM varies enormously, from birth to adulthood, however, the majority of cases of FGM are thought to take place between the ages of 5 and 8 and therefore girls within that age bracket are at a higher risk.
The practice of FGM is common in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Tens of thousands of women and girls are affected by FGM all over the United Kingdom and it can happen to any woman or girl from any background regardless of age, race, nationality, social class, financial status or sexuality.
Unlike male circumcision, which is legal in the UK, the practice of FGM is a criminal offence. FGM has no health benefits for women or girls and it is therefore recognised as a form of violence against women and girls.
What are the signs that a girl may be at risk of FGM or has undergone FGM?
Suspicions may arise in a number of ways that a child is being prepared for FGM to take place abroad. These include knowing both that the family belongs to a community in which FGM is practised and is making preparations for the child to take a holiday, arranging vaccinations or planning absence from school. The child may also talk about a special procedure/ceremony that is going to take place.
Indicators that FGM may already have occurred include prolonged absence from school or other activities with noticeable behaviour change on return, possibly with bladder or menstrual problems.
What do you do if you are concerned about someone who is at risk of FGM?
Talk to them about your concerns, but use simple language and straightforward questions.
Be sensitive and let them know that they can talk to you again.
Make a referral to Essex Police or Children’s Social Care.
Call the NSPCC FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 for more information or email them at .
What should you do if you are worried you may be at risk of FGM?
Talk to someone you trust, maybe a teacher or a school nurse. They are there to help and protect you. Remember that no-one is allowed to hurt you physically or emotionally, and FGM is illegal in this country.
You can get help by calling the NSPCC FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 for more information or email them at .
Our website has further details of how we can help you and information about other agencies that are available to support you:
How can Essex Police help?
Girls who are worried, or those who have already had FGM performed,are encouraged to seek support and help from Essex Police.
FGM is child abuse and all cases will be dealt with by the Child Abuse Investigation Teams. FGM is taken very seriously and each individual case will be treated sensitively.
A crime does not have to have been committed for an individual to speak to Essex Police about their fears. Measures can be taken to protect individuals and to prevent them being subjected to FGM; Essex Police can also refer individuals to other agencies who can support them.
Female Genital Mutilation Protection Order
Since July 2015 it has been possible to obtain a Female Genital Mutilation Protection Order throughthe Family Court.
If you are concerned that someone may be taken abroad for FGM you can apply for a Protection Order. The terms of the order can be flexible and the court can include whatever terms it considers necessary and appropriate to protect the girl or woman.
The Essex Police website provides details of FGM Protection Orders:
If you have been affected by FGM or you know someone who is at risk, please contact Essex Police - always dial 999 in an emergency. You can also report concerns to the Central Referral Unit on 101 or report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.