Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls. The practice also violates their rights to health, security and physical integrity, their right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and their right to life when the procedure results in death.

The UN Agenda for Sustainable Development promises an end to this practice by 2030.

See here for further information.

Reporting FGM in Warwickshire
If you, or a child you know is in immediate danger, you should contact the Police by calling 999 in an emergency.

If there is no immediate danger or you need advice or information, you should call the Warwickshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 01926 414144 or the Police on 101.

A statutory duty came into force on 31^st October 2015 requiring all registered health and social care workers and teachers to report ‘known’ cases of FGM in girls under 18 to the police. Guidance for practitioners is available here.