All procedures which involve the partial
or total removal of the external
genitalia or injury to the female genital
organs whether for cultural or an other
non-therapeutic reasons.
The World Health Organisation
“You
cannot change a culture but
you can educate young people and
make sure they do not carry on the
tradition.”



Offence to commit FGM.
Offence to aid, abet, counsel or procure a girl
to commit FGM outside of UK that is carried
out by a person who is not a UK national or
resident.
Any act done outside UK by UK National or
resident.
Type 1
Excision (removal) of the clitoral hood with or
without removal of part or all of the clitoris.
 Type 2
Removal of the clitoris together with part or all of
the labia minora.
 Type 3 (infibulation)
Removal of part or all of the external genitalia
(clitoris, labia minora, and labia majora) and
stitiching and or narrowing of the vaginal
opening leaving a small hole for urine and
menstrual flow.

Type 4 (unclassified)
All other operations on the female genitalia,
including:
 Pricking, piercing, stretching, or incision of the
clitoris and/or labia;
 Cauterisation by burning the clitoris and
surrounding tissues;
 Incisions to the viginal wall;
 Scraping (angurya cuts) or cutting (gishiri cuts) of
the vagina and surrounding tissues;
 Introduction of corrosive substances or herbs into
the vagina.

T
The child will be at risk of/experienced
significant harm.
 All definitions of abuse applicable –
 Physical injury, neglect, emotional, sexual
abuse (bullying, exploitation, domestic
abuse.)
 The physical and emotional impact of FGM
will transcend into adulthood.
 Female genital mutilation is a form of abuse.

2 million girls around the world every year
are mutilated.
 Mainly African and Middle Eastern countries,
the immigrant population of Europe, America
and Australia.
 It is estimated that as many as 20,000 UK
girls are at risk of FGM.
 Any girl is at risk but usual age range
between 4-14. Babies on the increase.

The family come from a community that is
known to practise FGM.
 Parents state they will take the child out of
the country for a prolonged period.
 A child may talk about a long holiday to a
country where the practice is pevalent.
 A child may disclose that she is to have a
“special procedure”, rites of passage or a
celebration.

A child may spend long periods of time away
from the classroom during the day with
bladder or menstrual problems.
 Prolonged absences from school coupled with
a noticeable change in behaviour.
 The child has requested to abstain from
physical exercise with no statement or
support from their GP.
 A child may be isolated, not interact with the
peers, sad, low in mood due to pain and fear
of disclosure.

Need to develop[ cultural competency and a
willingness to increase understanding and
respect for culturally-based values, beliefs
and behaviours.
 Cultural sensitivity.
 Reach out to diverse communities.
 Promote equality of opportunity recognising
individual need for fairness and equal
concern.
 Assist communities in recognising when
culture becomes harm.

You must inform your designated
person/child protection lead;
 They must make a referral to the Local
Authority Children’s Safeguarding Children’s
Board. (LSCB)
 NSPCC FGM Helpline 0800 028 3550 (Free)
24hr anonymous FGM helpline
nspcc.org.uk/fgm

Site: Guy’s & St. Thomas’s Hospital.
 Specialist FGM Midwife – Comfort Momoh.
 More than 1,100 patients seen in last five
years.
 Raising awareness amongst the public, local
communities, health professionals, pupils
and teachers.
 GP awareness courses.

NSPCC
 FORWARD
 AFRUCA
 GIRL CHILD NETWORK
 CASSANDRA LEARNING CENTRE
 VICTORIA CLIMBIE FOUNDATION

Remember:
ONE HAND CAN’T CLAP
The safeguarding and protection of our girls
cannot be accomplished by any one individual or
organisation .
We have a collective duty and responsibility.
bennettannetta@ymail.com