FGM or female circumcision

FGM (Female Genital Mutilation)

Also known as female circumcision or cutting

What is Female Genital Mutilation?

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is also known as female circumcision or cutting. It is a procedure involving removal of part or all of a girls external sex parts. There are 4 types of FGM. The least severe type includes pricking or removing the clitoris and is sometimes called Sunna. The most severe type is called Infibulation and involves removing the clitoris and fleshy lips around the vagina known as the labia. The skin is then stitched together leaving only a tiny hole as an opening to the vagina.

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Why is FGM performed?

FGM is believed to have started in the 5th century BC and originally began because men wanted to control women’s’ sexuality. Today it is practised in about 28 African countries, parts of Asia and Latin America and across the developed world where immigration from practicing communities has taken place.

The reasons given for practicing FGM include: custom, cleanliness, preserving a girl’s virginity and ensuring she is accepted by her community and can get married. There is also a mistaken belief that it is a religious requirement. No religion actually supports the practice of FGM.

Health Risks

FGM is rarely carried out in a clean environment but usually takes place on the floor or table in someone’s home. The instruments used aren’t sterile or clean and are often used on many girls at one time. FGM causes both short term and long term health problems.

Short term problems include:

Broken bones from being held down
Infections and a high risk of getting HIV and Aids
Urine problems
Damage to other organs and tissues
Haemorrhage which can result in death

Long term problems include:

Vaginal, urine, kidney and pelvic infections
Problems with periods and urinating
High risk of infertility
Problems with pregnancy and childbirth
Emotional and psychological problems

Who is at risk?

School aged girls from certain ethnic groups are most at risk; these include Somalian, Sudanese, Ethiopian and Gambian girls. In Bristol it is estimated that about 1200 girls are at risk of having FGM.

FGM and the law

It is illegal for any girl or woman living in the UK to have FGM either at home or abroad. The maximum penalty for anyone organising or carrying out FGM is 14 years in prison. Even though there have not been any prosecutions yet in the UK the police are confident there will be soon. There have been many prosecutions for FGM in Europe and America.

What to do if you are at risk

If you or anyone you know thinks they are at risk of FGM it is important to tell a trusted adult like a teacher or School Nurse. You can also contact any of the agencies listed below.

If you or someone you know has already undergone FGM you can get confidential medical help and advice. Please see the useful contact list below.

In an emergency dial 999 or contact your local Police
Station

National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Children 24 Hour Help line
Tel 0800 800 5000

Multi Ethnic Women and Girls Clinic
Specialist NHS medical help at Charlotte Keel Health Centre,
Easton.
Tel: 0117 902 7100, ask for Health Links.

Womankind – women’s counselling, psychotherapy &
support service for refugee and asylum seekers.
Tel: 0845 458 2914 www.womankindbristol.org.uk

Somali Development Group – Support, mentoring and counselling for victims of FGM.
Tel: 0117 3763007 or visit 60 Old Market Street, Old market, Bristol

Next Link – support for women suffering / at risk of
domestic abuse. Service for black / minority ethnic
people
Tel: 0117 925 0680. www.nextlinkhousing.co.uk

FORWARD – The Foundation for Women’s Health,
Research and Development – for African women & girls. Tel: 020 8960 4000
www.forwarduk.org.uk

Children and Young People’s Services (CYPS)
Ridingleaze, Lawrence Weston, BS11 0GE
Tel: 0117 903 8700

Symes House, Hartcliffe, BS13 0EE
Tel: 0117 353 2200

Welsman, Princes Street, St Pauls, BS2 9JA
Tel: 0117 903 6500

CYPS out of office hours
Tel: 01454 615 165

Police Child Protection Team
Tel 0117 945 4320