All procedures, which involve, partial or total removal of the female eternal genitalia, or any other injury to the female genital organs, for non-therapeutic reasons.
FGM has no health benefits, and it harms girls and women in many ways:
Long-term physical consequences can include:
Procedures are mostly carried out on babies, young girls up to the late teens, and occasionally on adult women. In Africa, more than three million girls have been estimated to be at risk from FGM annually (WHO 2014).
But it doesn’t happen here - YES IT DOES
Contrary to beliefs this abuse happens within the UK. As practicing communities migrate to the UK the abuse becomes more prevalent. Awareness has to be raised, knowledge shared and legalities given. Female Genital Mutilation is an illegal practice within the UK and is not condoned for any reason.
If FGM is suspected and/or disclosed please contact any of the following: