What is FGM?
Female genital mutilation, also known as female circumcision or female genital cutting, is defined by the World Health Organisation as “all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons.”
The World Health Organisation has classified FGM into four different types:
Type I – Clitoridectomy
Partial or total removal of the clitoris (a small, sensitive and erectile part of the female genitals) and/or the prepuce (the clitoral hood or fold of skin surrounding the clit
Type II – Excision
Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the inner labia, with out without the excision on the outer labia
Type III – Infibulation
Narrowing of the vaginal opening by creating a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the inner or outer labia, with or without the removal of the clitoris.
Type IV – Other
All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g., pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterising (burning) the genital area.
The World Health Organisation estimates that over 200 million women and girls have been subjected to FGM in 30 countries. In the UK around 137,000 women have undergone FGM, with some 60,000 under fifteens at risk.
Other forms of FMG
Not all mutilation is vaginal. Other forms of FGM include breast ironing (flattening) and virginity testing and hymenoplasty
Breast ironing
Breast ironing/flattening/stretching is the process during which a young pubescent girls’ breasts are ironed, massaged, flattened and/or pounded down over a period of time (sometimes years) in order for the breasts to disappear or delay the development of the breasts entirely.
For more information about breast ironing visit the National FGM centre [http://nationalfgmcentre.org.uk/breast-flattening/]
Virginity testing
Virginity testing is an inspection of a girl’s or woman’s genitalia meant to determine whether she has had vaginal intercourse. It is a violation of human rights and an abusive, misogynistic practice akin to sexual abuse with immediate and long-term consequences that are detrimental to physical, psychological and social well-being.
Hymenoplasty
Hymenoplasty, also known as Hymen Repair or Re-virginisation, is a form of vaginal surgery, carried out to give the impression that the girl or woman is a virgin.
For more information about virginity testing and hymenoplasty visit IKWRO Women’s Rights Organisation [https://ikwro.org.uk/virginity-testing-hymenoplasty/]
Health Implications of FGM
FGMâ¯has no health benefits and is an extremely harmful practice that always carries devastating short and long-term health consequences for women and girls.
Short-term implications
- Severe pain and genital swelling
- Haemorrhage
- Cysts and neuromas
- Septicaemia, Gangrene
- Uterus, vaginal and pelvic infections
- Increased risk of HIV and AIDs
- Fractured and broken limbs from being held down
- Painful urine excretion and retention
- Death
Long-term implications
- Increased risk of fistula
- Complications in childbirth
- Depression and post-natal depression
- Psychosexual problems
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Sexual dysfunction
- Difficulties in menstruation
- Trauma and flashbacks
- Infertility
FGM and the Law
FGM
FGM is an illegal practice in the UK.
A person is guilty on an offence if they excise, infibulate, or otherwise mutilate the whole or any part of a girl’s or woman’s internal labia, external labia or clitoris for non-medical reasons.
It is illegal to perform/arrange for FGM to be carried out on a girl in the UK or to take abroad a British national or permanent resident for FGM, or to help someone trying to do this.
Virginity testing and hymenoplasty
As of the Health and Care Act 2022, virginity testing and hymenoplasty, the inspection of a girl’s or woman’s genitalia meant to determine whether she has had vaginal intercourse, are illegal to carry out. For more information on virginity testing and hymenoplasty visit here [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/virginity-testing-and-hymenoplasty-multi-agency-guidance/virginity-testing-and-hymenoplasty-multi-agency-guidance]
Breast ironing (flattening)
There is no specific law within the UK around breast ironing, the process during which young pubescent girls’ breasts are ironed, massaged or flattened in order for the breasts to disappear or delay the development of the breasts entirely; however it is recognised as child cruelty and assault and should be prosecuted as a form of child abuse in CPS guidance [https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/so-called-honour-based-abuse-and-forced-marriage].
Risk Indicators of Potential FGM
- A relative or someone known as a ‘cutter’ visiting from abroad
- A special occasion or ceremony. A girl may confide that she is to have a ‘special procedure’ or to attend a special occasion to ‘become a woman’ or be ‘prepared for marriage’.
- A female relative, like a mother, sister, cousin, or aunt has undergone FGM
- A family arranges a long holiday overseas or visits a family abroad during the summer holidays
- A girl has an unexpected or long absence from school
- A girl struggles to keep up in school
- A girl run away – or plans to run away – from home
Signs FMG might have occurred
- Prolonged absence from school
- Frequent need to go to the toilet
- Having difficulty walking, standing, or sitting down comfortably
- Long break to urinate
- Urinary tract infections
- Noticeable behaviour change
- Talk of something somebody did to them that they are not allowed to talk about
- Change of dress from tight to lose fitting clothes
- Menstrual problems
- Complain about pain between their legs
- Being particularly reluctant to undergo normal medical examinations
- Asking for help or advice but not being explicit about the procedure due to embarrassment or fear
Victim support
Coventry Haven Women’s Aid
- Specialist practical and emotional support for women, children and girls who are victims, or at risk of, genital mutilation and abuse
- Safe refuge accommodation
- Awareness raising of FGM within practising communities
- Training to professionals in statutory and voluntary services, including schools, doctors surgeries and hospitals and midwives
- Recruitment of Community Champions to extend our reach to all communities
- Promotion and publication of the ' Ending FGM' message
- Working at a strategic level to ensure a good policy response
Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting - FGM / FGC — Coventry Haven Women's Aid [https://www.coventryhaven.co.uk/female-genital-mutilation]
Panahghar
Panahghar provides free dedicated BAME multilingual support, advice and advocacy, and access to safe refuge for victims and their families of domestic abuse, sexual abuse or gendered abuse.
Panahghar can provide non-judgmental advice and support for victims and professionals supporting victims affected by FGM. Contact Panahghar on their 24-hour helpline on 0800 055 6519.
West Midlands forced Marriage and ‘Honour’ Based Abuse Helpline run in partnership with Panahghar, Roshni and SWAN: 0800 953 977.
Female genital mutilation – Panahghar [https://www.safehouse.org.uk/domestic-abuse/female-genital-mutilation/]
Advice for Professionals
What to do if you are concerned or have been made aware FGM has occurred:
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and each professional and organisation must play their part.
A child who has faced, or is worried about FGM, might not realise what’s happening is wrong, and they might even blame themselves. If a child talks to you about FGM it’s important to:
- Listen carefully to what they’re saying
- Let them know they’ve done the right thing by telling you
- Tell them it’s not their fault
- Say you’ll take them seriously
- Don’t confront the alleged abuser
- Explain what you’ll do next
- Report what the child has told you as soon as possible
Reporting
If you think a child may be at risk of FGM, you must seek help and advice. If you think a child is in immediate danger, then contact the police on 999. If not:
- Inform your Designated Child Protection Advisor who must inform Children’s Services
- Contact Coventry Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub on 024 7678 8555
In 2015, a mandatory reporting duty came into force that requires health professionals, teachers and social care professionals to make report to the police where, in the course of their professional duties, they either:
- Are informed by a girl (under 18) that an act of FGM has been carried out on her
Or
- Observe physical signs which appear to show FGM has been carried out on a girl under 18.
Please not that the relevant age is the girl’s age at the time of the disclosure/identification of FGM. It does not apply where a woman aged over 18 discloses FGM carried out when she was under 18.
If a girl (under 18) has disclosed she has undergone FGM or you have visually identified FGM, and you are a regulated professional, you will need to call the police via the 101 non-emergency number as part of your mandatory reporting duty. This duty is a personal duty which requires the individual professional who becomes aware of the case to make a report; the responsibility cannot be transferred.
If you believe that a victim or potential victims of FGM is in immediate danger, always dial 999.
What is an FGM Protection order
Apply for an FGM protection order (FGMPO). Anyone can apply on Gov.uk [https://www.gov.uk/female-genital-mutilation-protection-order] if they are concerned that someone is at risk of FGM. An FGMPO is a legal means to protect and safeguard victims and potential victims of FGM. They are granted by a court and contain conditions to protect for example, they could order a surrender of a passport to prevent the person at risk being taken abroad.
Anyone (including children under 18) can apply for an FGMPO for themselves or somebody else.
There is no charge. Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/female-genital-mutilation-protection-order [https://www.gov.uk/female-genital-mutilation-protection-order]
Local resources and further information
Coventry Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSPC)
Telephone: 024 7697 5477
Email: CoventryCSCP@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:CoventryCSCP@coventry.gov.uk]
FGM One Minute Guide [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/4414/one_minute_guides]
Petals App [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/public-health/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/2] - Petals for Professionals is an online resource which explains the legal responsibilities of professionals and provides information on where to get further help and advice.
Coventry Haven Women's Aid, [https://www.coventryhaven.co.uk/female-genital-mutilation] for information on free FGM training and the specialist support services we offer at Coventry Haven Women's Aid, please email Seto Sullivan ssullivan@coventryhaven.co.uk or call 0800 111 4998. [mailto:pconnolly@coventryhaven.co.uk]
Regional Child Protection Procedures for the West Midlands [http://westmidlands.procedures.org.uk/pkplt/regional-safeguarding-guidance/female-genital-mutilation]
National resources and further information
The NSPCC has a 24-hour helpline to provide advice and support to victims of FGM, or to anyone who may be concerned a child is at risk – call the helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk [mailto:fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk]
Guidance and resources have been published by the Home Office that give relevant professionals and the police an understanding of the new (FGM) mandatory reporting duty, which can be accessed in the links below:
Mandatory reporting of female genital mutilation: procedural information [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mandatory-reporting-of-female-genital-mutilation-procedural-information]
Female Genital Mutilation Resource Pack [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/female-genital-mutilation-resource-pack/female-genital-mutilation-resource-pack]
Reporting flowchart [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fgm-mandatory-reporting-in-healthcare]