Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed without any medical reason. FGM is usually carried out on girls before puberty starts, sometimes before the age of 12 months. FGM is irreversible and very painful, it can be harmful to the health and wellbeing of women and girls. It can also lead to problems with sex, childbirth and menstruation. FGM has no health benefits for the woman.
FGM is a hidden issue which often only comes to light when related health problems occur or the woman is pregnant. It is against the law in the UK, Europe and many African countries to perform or facilitate this procedure. The practice became illegal in the UK in1985 (The Prohibition of Circumcision Act 1985). More recently the Female Genital Mutilation Act (2003) makes it illegal for any residents of the UK to perform or facilitate FGM within or outside the UK. The punishment for violating the 2003 Act carries 14 years imprisonment, a fine or both. FGM is recognised internationally as a violation of the human right of girls and women.
In 2015, it was estimated that there were 137,000 women aged 15+ living with the consequences of FGM in the UK. During the year April 2017 to March 2018, 6,195 women and girls survivors of FGM in the UK accounted for 9,490 attendances recorded in NHS services. For 4,495 of these women and girls, it was the first time they were included in national datasets as FGM survivors.
In Nottingham, similar to preceding years, there were 65 newly recorded cases reported in the FGM dataset by healthcare providers. Almost all of the women identified were between the ages of 18 and 39 years. The majority of women had undergone this before the age of 14 years with a significant number of them having had FGM before they were 12 months old.
FGM Mandatory Reporting
FGM mandatory reporting for all women and girls disclosing / identified as having FGM using the FGM enhanced dataset
The FGM Prevention programme is led by the Department of Health to improve awareness, provision of services and safeguarding girls at risk. It is now mandatory for Trusts to submit data re FGM in order to establish a national picture and ensure appropriate services are offered to women and girls. This work specifically will not pass any personal details to the Police or Social Care services – the collection of this data will not trigger individual criminal investigations.
Services
Nottingham FGM clinic for women over 18 years old
The clinic is nurse/midwife-led and based at City Hospital Campus and Queens Campus. The clinic offers advice, referral to an urogynaecologist, consultant obstetrician, social care, honour-based abuse team, counselling, antenatal care and assessment, de-infibulation, post-surgery and post natal follow up.
This clinic can be accessed by calling 0115 9691169 ext 55239.
If a child is at immediate risk of FGM then the police must be notified by calling 999. For other concerns around children and FGM contact can be made with the FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk.
The Mojatu Foundations provides community-based support for survivors of FGM and those at risk of FGM, further details can be found at http://www.mojatufoundation.org/
NHS National FGM Support Clinics
National FGM Support Clinics are a place for women with FGM to discuss their health needs in a sensitive and non-judgmental environment.
The services are provided by an all-female team and include:
- physical assessment and treatment (including de-infibulation if required)
- emotional support and counselling
- general information
- access to FGM Health Advocates
- referral to a specialist consultant, if needed
Leeds FGM Support Clinic
A national FGM centre as been set up, details of this can be accessed here.
Further Information and Resources
- Nottingham and Nottinghamshire FGM Pathways
- GOV.UK Resource pack
- FGM leaflet “More information about FGM” (2015). Available in the FGM clinic or download from NHS Choices website
- Home Office FGM information booklet
- FGM resource pack: Female genital mutilation: resource pack - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Signs that a girl could be at risk of FGM - Welsh / English poster
- FGM factsheet for teachers
- FGM ‘The Facts’ leaflet: Promotional material overview: Female genital mutilation: the facts - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- FGM Support Clinics Info Leaflet - English
- FGM Support Clinics Info Leaflet - Amharic
- FGM Support Clinics Info Leaflet - Arabic
- FGM Support Clinics Info Leaflet - French
- FGM Support Clinics Info Leaflet - Somali
- For more information on local and national support please access Equation's website.
- Local FGM Poster showing information and support
- Letter about FGM from Nottingham City Council to service providers
Government Guidance
- Government statement opposing female genital mutilation - This outlines what FGM is, the legislation and penalties involved and the help and support available. The statement is often referred to as a health passport.
- Female genital mutilation protection orders (FGM700) - Who can apply for an order, what to do and what will happen when the court receives your application. Includes versions in different languages.
Ending Female Genital Mutilation film
This film was produced as part of the 2014 FGM campaign and is hosted on the NSPCC website.
Learning & Training
You can register for the free FGM E-learning course here: Registration - Enable (vc-enable.co.uk)
