Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed, but there's no medical reason for this to be done. It's also known as female circumcision or cutting, and by other terms, such as Sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez and khitan, among others.
FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15, most commonly before puberty starts. It's very painful and can seriously harm the health of women and girls. It can also cause long-term problems with sex, childbirth and mental health. FGM is illegal in the UK and is child abuse.
Support Available
If you have any concerns regarding FGM then please speak to a member of The Safeguarding Team. The Team will support students and offer advice and support to parents/ carers.
If you are in immediate danger, contact the police immediately by dialling 999
If you're concerned that someone may be at risk, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk
If you're under pressure to have FGM performed on your daughter, speak to The Safeguarding Team, a GP, your health visitor or another healthcare professional for help, or contact the NSPCC helpline
If you have had FGM, you can get help from a specialist NHS gynaecologist or FGM service – ask a GP or any other healthcare professional about services in your area
Childline has lots of helpful advice on FGM, including how to get help and fears about speaking up. Calls to 0800 1111 are free and confidential. Children can also contact Childline online.
