Violence against women and girls
Female genital mutilation (FGM)
What is FGM?
FGM is defined as procedures which include the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
FGM breaches human rights and is a child protection concern. It is illegal in the UK to perform, prepare or take girls abroad to undergo FGM.
If you suspect a girl in Swindon is at risk, report it immediately via the suspected child absue or exploitation webpage.
Swindon FGM toolkit
Swindon Safeguarding Partnership has created a toolkit for practitioners working with victims and at-risk children.
The toolkit includes:
- multi-agency guidance on FGM
- training on forced marriages, honour based abuse and FGM
- an FGM facts and figures poster
A pocket guide summarising key information is also available free of charge from the SSP Business Unit at: safeguardingpartnership@swindon.gov.uk
Other resources
The National FGM Centre’s aims to prevent new cases and support victims, with a goal to end new FGM cases by 2030.
They work to:
- prevent new cases
- protect children and young people
- support those affected by FGM and other harmful practices
- work together to deliver services and learn
Between September 2015 and December 2018, there were 390 referrals from East England and London and 14 from other authorities. Twenty-three FGM Protection Orders were supported in this timeframe.
Since October 2017, the scope has expanded to include Breast Flattening and Child Abuse linked to Faith or Belief.
In June 2019 the Centre published its FGM Guidance for Schools.
For more information visit the Government FGM webpages or email: fgm@fco.gov.uk Additional statutory guidance is available, including the 2018 multi agency practice guidelines: female genital mutilation.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published a clinical handbook on the care of girls and women living with female genital mutilation (FGM) providing advice on communication, prevention and referral.
Training
Training is available through the Swindon Safeguarding Partnership and online via the Home Office.