Female genital mutilation (FGM)
Female Genital Mutilation, known as FGM, includes procedures that involve the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, or other injury to female genital organs, for non-medical reasons. FGM is illegal in the UK. It is abuse, a form of violence against women and girls, and can cause serious short- and long-term physical, emotional and psychological harm.
FGM may also be called “cutting”, “female circumcision”, “initiation” or other community/language-specific terms. Practitioners should use clear professional language while speaking sensitively with women, girls, families and communities.
If you are worried about FGM
If a girl or woman is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you are worried that a child may be at risk of FGM, follow local safeguarding procedures and make a referral to Children’s Social Care. In Warrington, practitioners should follow the Pan Cheshire / Warrington safeguarding procedure on FGM.
Regulated health and social care professionals and teachers have a legal duty to report known cases of FGM in under-18s to the police. This applies where a girl tells the professional that FGM has happened, or where the professional observes physical signs appearing to show that FGM has been carried out. See Mandatory reporting of female genital mutilation: procedural information on GOV.UK: mandatory reporting guidance.
Support and further guidance
Other useful websites and guidance: +