Female Genital Mutilation

Definition

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines female genital mutilation (FGM) as:

'All procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons... FGM is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.'

Signs and indicators

At risk of FGM

The National FGM Centre provides the following signs and indicators that a girl could be at risk of FGM:

  • A girl is born to a woman who has undergone FGM;

  • Mother has requested re-infibulation following childbirth;

  • A girl has an older sibling or cousin who has undergone FGM;

  • One or both parents or elder family members consider FGM integral to their cultural or religious identity;

  • The family indicate that there are strong levels of influence held by pro-FGM elders who are involved in bringing up female children;

  • A girl or her family has a limited level of integration within UK community;

  • A girl from a practising community withdrawn from PSHE and/or Sex and Relationship Education or its equivalent may be at risk as a result of her parents wishing to keep her uninformed about her body, FGM, and her rights;

  • If there are references to FGM in conversation, for example, a girl may tell other children about it;

  • A girl may confide that she is to have a 'special procedure' or to attend a special occasion to 'become a woman';

  • A girl may request help from a teacher or another adult if she is aware or suspects that she is at immediate risk;

  • Parents state that they or a relative will take the child out of the country from a prolonged period and are evasive about why;

  • A girl is taken abroad to a country with high prevalence of FGM, especially during the summer holidays which is known as the 'cutting season'.

FGM has occurred

The National FGM Centre provides the following signs and indicators that FGM has occurred:

  • Prolonged absence from schools;

  • Frequent need to go to the toilet;

  • Long break to urinate;

  • Urinary tract infections;

  • Noticeable behaviour change;

  • Change of dress from tight to loose fitting clothing;

  • Menstrual problems;

  • Difficulty in sitting down comfortably;

  • Complain about pain between their legs;

  • Talk of something somebody did to them that they are not allowed to talk about.

Links for further information