Female Genital Mutilation. An overview for WSSCB partner agency staff

Transcription

1 Female Genital Mutilation An overview for WSSCB partner agency staff

2 FGM What is it? The World Health organisation defines female genital mutilation (FGM) as all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

3 FGM is prevalent as a cultural ritual in 28 African countries as well as in parts of the Middle East and Asia.

4 In the communities where it is practiced, people don t necessary recognise that it is mutilation. Professionals will need to understand what other terms are used. It may be called cutting or terms relating to coming of age, becoming a woman or purification. Research the words used in the community where you work.

5 Whilst accepted in a parts of the world, FGM is recognised internationally as a violation of Human Rights and is illegal in the United Kingdom.

6 'Needlecraft' is a three minute animated film aimed at raising awareness of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the UK. Developed by FORWARD and Animage Films with support from the End FGM Guardian Global Media Campaign. Click here to see the video warning, upsetting images

7 Four Categories of FGM 1. Clitoridectomy removal of clitoris 2. Excision above and labia minora 3. Infibulation narrowing the vagina 4. Other harmful genital procedures

8 Consequences of FGM Short-term: severe pain, emotional and psychological shock, haemorrhage, wound infections, urinary retention, injury to adjacent tissues, fracture of dislocation as a result of restraint, damage to other organs.

9 Consequences of FGM Long-term: chronic infections, difficulties with menstruation, difficulties in passing urine and chronic urine infections, possible renal failure, infertility, infibulation cysts, neuromas and keloid scar formation, complications in pregnancy, pain during sex and lack of pleasurable sensation, psychological damage, increased risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, death.

10 FGM Legal Position Female Circumcision Prohibition Act 1985 criminalised mutilation of genitalia Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, reaffirming the 1985 Act, with the inclusion that it is also an offence to carry out, aid, abet counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM in the UK regardless of nationality and residence status

11 Enforcement Although prevalence of FGM may be high as many as 187 thousand girls and women affected in the UK, prosecutions are very low. Lack of prosecutions may be as result of lack of awareness, cultural sensitivity, reluctance of those affected to speak out about, what is, a hidden practice.

12 FGM Protection Order A FGM PO is a civil measure that can be applied through the family court. The Protection Order offers the means of protecting actual or potential victims from FGM under civil law.

13 Who Can Apply for FGM PO The person who is to be protected by the order a relevant third party (such as the local authority); or any other person with the permission of the court (for example, teachers, health care professionals, police, family member).

14 FGM The Bottom Line FGM is a harmful practice to women and girls Where children are the victims FGM is CHILD ABUSE Professionals shouldn t allow allegations of racism to deter action.

15 FGM Misconceptions 1. It s like male circumcision 2. It s a religious practice 3. It is carried out by men to control women

16 FGM Why? The motivation being FGM seems to be connected with a wish to de-sexualise women In many communities and countries it is difficult for women to marry who have not been cut

17 Risk Factors Families who are less integrated Family history of FGM Older sister = very high risk Girl withdrawn from school for a long period

18 Signs of Imminent FGM Child telling others about a special party or becoming a woman Older relative visiting form country of origin Going on a long holiday Child asking for help at home

19 Signs that FGM Has Happened Difficulty walking, sitting or standing Frequent urinary/menstrual problems Behaviour change on return from long trip Reluctance to undergo medical examination

20 FGM Why Bother Getting Involved? Those effected can be helped with the consequences Other family members can be safeguarded It is a criminal offence!

21 FGM What to do FGM is child abuse and should be responded to like other serious incidents of physical abuse Contact the Children s Access Point cap@westsussex.gcsx.gov.uk

22 FGM Other resources Home Office E-learning course Useful websites Orchid Project Equality Now Campaign WSSCB FGM page