5.20 Female Genital Mutilation |
Contents
1. Introduction
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a collective term for procedures which include the removal of part or all of the external female genitalia for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons. The practice is medically unnecessary, extremely painful and has serious health consequences, both at the time when the mutilation is carried out and in later life. The procedure is typically performed on girls aged between 4 and 13, but in some cases it is performed on newborn infants or on young women before marriage or pregnancy.
FGM is much more common than is generally realised both worldwide and in the U.K. It is deeply embedded into the culture of communities and intervention by statutory agencies may be resented.
FGM cannot be left to personal preference or cultural custom as it is an extremely harmful practice which violates basic human rights.
FGM has been a criminal offence in the U.K. since the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985 was passed. The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 replaced the 1985 Act and makes it an offence for the first time for UK nationals or permanent UK residents to carry out FGM abroad, or to aid, abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM abroad, even in countries where the practice is legal.
It is reportedly practised in 28 African countries and in parts of the Middle and Far East, but it is increasingly found in Western Europe and other developed countries primarily among immigrant and refugee communities.
(See Home Office Circular 10/2004 which is available on the Home Office website).
2. Referral and Assessment
Suspicions may arise in a number of ways that a child is being prepared for FGM to take place abroad.
If any agency becomes aware of a child who may have been subjected to or is at risk of FGM they must make a referral to Children’s Social Care Services.
All professionals need to consider whether any other indicators exist that FGM may have or has already taken place, for example:
- Preparations are being made to take a long holiday - arranging vaccinations or planning an absence from school
- The child has changed in behaviour after a prolonged absence from school or
- The child has health problems, particularly bladder or menstrual problems
There may be older women in the family who have already had the procedure and this may prompt concern as to the potential risk of harm to other female children in the same family.
The Children’s Social Care Services team will liaise with the Paediatric services where it is believed that FGM has already taken place to ensure that a Medical Assessment takes place.
It should be remembered that this is a one-off act of abuse to a child, although it will have lifelong consequences, and can be highly dangerous at the time of the procedure and directly afterwards.
3. Assessment
Children’s Social Care Services in consultation with the Police will undertake a Section 47 Enquiry if it has reason to believe that a child is likely to suffer or has suffered FGM.
Where a child has been identified as at risk of significant harm, it may not always be appropriate to remove the child from an otherwise loving family environment. Parents and carers may genuinely believe that it is in the girls best interest to conform to their prevailing custom.
Where a child appears to be in immediate danger of mutilation, legal advice should be sought and consideration should be given, for example, to seeking an Emergency Protection Order or a Prohibited Steps Order, making it clear to the family that they will be breaking the law if they arrange for the child to have the procedure.
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