Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to procedures that intentionally alter, mutilate or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is medically unnecessary and can have serious health consequences, both at the time it is carried out and in later life.

FGM is prevalent in 30 African countries and areas of the Middle and Far East, but it is increasingly practiced in the U.K. in communities with larger populations of first-generation immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

FGM is deeply embedded in some communities and is performed for cultural and social reasons. It is usually carried out on girls before they reach puberty, but in some cases it is performed on new-born infants or on women before marriage or pregnancy. It is often justified by the belief that it is beneficial for the girl or woman, but FGM is an extremely harmful practice which violates basic human rights.

The most significant risk factor for girls and young women is coming from a community where FGM is known to be practised and/or where a mother, sister or other female family member has been subjected to FGM.

Practitioners should be aware of this and provide families with advice and information which makes it clear that FGM is illegal.

If practitioners are aware, or suspect that a child or young person as undergone, or maybe undergoing the procedure they should follow the DSP Child Protection Procedures.

DSP has developed a practice guidance document to support practitioners. 

Female Genital Mutilation Multi-Agency Practice Guidance  [PDF document]

FGM - Reporting Process Map  [PDF document]

Mandatory Reporting of Female Genital Mutilation [external link]

HM Government - Multi-Agency Statutory Guidance on Female Genital Mutilation [external link]

World Health Organization - Care of girls and women living with Female Genital Mutilation- A clinical Handbook [External Link]