What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, for non-medical reasons.

FGM is a form of child abuse and violence against women and girls. It can cause serious physical and emotional harm and is illegal in the United Kingdom.

FGM can happen at different times in a girl or woman's life, including:

• During infancy.
• During childhood.
• During adolescence.
• Before marriage.
• During pregnancy.
• In adulthood.

Everyone has the right to live free from abuse and harmful practices.

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Types of FGM

There are four main types of FGM:

Type 1 – Clitoridectomy

Partial or total removal of the clitoris.

Type 2 – Excision

Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the inner labia, with or without removal of the outer labia.

Type 3 – Infibulation

Narrowing of the vaginal opening by creating a seal formed by cutting and repositioning the labia.

Type 4 – Other Harmful Procedures

All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, including:

• Pricking
• Piercing
• Cutting
• Scraping
• Burning

FGM is often performed by traditional practitioners with no medical training. In some countries it may be carried out by healthcare professionals, although this practice is condemned internationally.

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FGM and Child Safeguarding

FGM is a serious safeguarding issue and a recognised form of child abuse.

All agencies, professionals and members of the public should take concerns about FGM seriously.

A child may be at risk if:

• They come from a community where FGM is practised.
• Female family members have undergone FGM.
• There are discussions about a special ceremony or celebration.
• The child is expected to travel abroad for an extended period.
• The child expresses concern about a forthcoming trip overseas.
• There is discussion about preparing a girl for marriage or womanhood.

These indicators do not confirm that FGM will take place but may indicate a need for safeguarding support and assessment.

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Signs That FGM May Have Taken Place

A girl or young woman may:

• Have difficulty walking, standing or sitting.
• Spend longer than usual in the toilet.
• Experience frequent urinary or menstrual problems.
• Appear withdrawn, anxious or distressed.
• Avoid physical activities.
• Require repeated medical treatment.

If you are concerned that a child may have undergone FGM, safeguarding advice should be sought immediately.

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Effects of FGM

FGM can have serious and lifelong consequences.

Physical effects may include:

• Severe pain.
• Bleeding.
• Infections.
• Tetanus.
• HIV and hepatitis infections.
• Difficulties urinating.
• Incontinence.
• Menstrual problems.
• Infertility.
• Cysts and abscesses.
• Complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
• Damage to internal organs.
• Death in severe cases.

Emotional and psychological effects may include:

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Trauma.
• Flashbacks.
• Self-harm.
• Difficulties with relationships and intimacy.

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Support for Adult Survivors

Many women live with the physical and emotional effects of FGM throughout adulthood.

Support is available through:

• NHS specialist FGM services.
• Gynaecology services.
• Maternity services.
• Mental health services.
• Safeguarding services.
• Specialist voluntary sector organisations.

If you have experienced FGM and would like support, speak to your GP, midwife or another healthcare professional.

Information about NHS support is available on the https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/ 

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Getting Help and Support

If you are worried that you, your daughter, a family member or someone you know may be at risk of FGM, support is available.

Adult Safeguarding Concerns

Adult Social Care 

Telephone: 01925 443322

Out of Hours: 01925 444400 

Child Safeguarding Concerns

If you are worried that a child may be at risk of FGM, contact Children's Social Care or the Police immediately.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

NSPCC FGM Helpline

The NSPCC provides a confidential helpline for anyone concerned about FGM.

Telephone: 0800 028 3550

Email: fgm.help@NSPCC.org.uk

Further information is available on the Female Genital Mutilation | NSPCC

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If Someone Has Been Taken Abroad

If you believe a girl or young woman has been taken abroad for FGM, contact the Police immediately.

You can also contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Telephone: 020 7008 1500

From overseas: +44 (0)20 7008 1500

Further information is available from the https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office. 

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Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders (FGMPOs)

Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders are legal orders designed to protect women and girls who are at risk of FGM.

An FGM Protection Order can:

• Prevent a person from arranging FGM.
• Prevent a child from being taken abroad for FGM.
• Require the surrender of passports.
• Place other conditions on individuals involved in the risk.

You may apply for an order if:

• You are a victim of FGM.
• You believe someone is at risk of FGM.

Further information is available in the https://www.gov.uk/female-genital-mutilation-protection-order. 

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Professional Responsibilities

Certain regulated healthcare professionals, teachers and social workers have legal safeguarding responsibilities relating to FGM.

Professionals should follow their organisation's safeguarding procedures and seek advice where concerns arise.

Practitioners can access further guidance through the professional section of the Warrington Safeguarding Partnerships website.

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Further Information and Resources

NHS

The NHS website includes information on:

• Types of FGM.
• Health effects.
• Pregnancy and childbirth.
• Mental health.
• Treatment and support services.

Visit the https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/. 

National FGM Centre

The National FGM Centre provides information, advice and resources for professionals, families and communities.

Visit the https://www.nationalfgmcentre.org.uk/. 

FORWARD

FORWARD is a leading UK organisation working to end violence against women and girls, including FGM.

Visit https://www.forwarduk.org.uk/. 

Government Guidance

Further information about the law, safeguarding responsibilities and protection orders can be found on the https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/female-genital-mutilation-fgm-guidance. 

Multilingual Information

The Department of Health and Social Care provides FGM information leaflets in a range of languages, available through the https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/female-genital-mutilation-resource-pack. 

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Remember

FGM is abuse. It is illegal. Help and support are available.

If you are worried that someone is at risk, do not wait. Seek advice and report your concerns. Early action can help keep women and girls safe.