Female genital mutilation
According to the World Health Organisation:
Female genital mutilation (FGM), comprises of 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 has no health benefits for girls and women and cause severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths.
FGM can cause long-lasting physical, emotional and psychological trauma. In some cases, it can cause death.
"I was worried about repercussions from my family and the wider community. I thought that if I told somebody, I would basically be ostracised, I didn’t want to bring any shame on my family, it wasn’t just about me, it was them as well."
The Female Genital Mutilation Act was introduced in 2003 and came into effect in March 2004.
The Act:
- makes it illegal to practice FGM in the UK
- makes it illegal to take girls who are British nationals or permanent residents of the UK abroad for FGM. It doesn't matter if FGM is lawful in that country
- makes it illegal to aid, abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM abroad
- has a penalty of up to 14 years in prison and/or a fine
Support services for victims of harmful practices
If you know a British national who’s already been taken abroad, contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office via the Home Office website or phone 02070 081 500.