Female Genital Mutilation is any procedure that involves partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It's illegal in the UK.
- Call FORWARD on 0208 960 4000 or visit their website. The charity helps protect the health and rights of African girls and women.
- In an emergency call 999
Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders
The order protects females against Female Genital Mutilation. It's a document issued by the courts to stop perpetrators.
Examples of the types of orders the court might make are:
- to protect a victim from Female Genital Mutilation by being taken abroad
- to order the surrender of passports or any other travel documents
- to stop specific people from entering into any arrangements in the UK or abroad for Female Genital Mutilation to be performed
Breach of an order is a criminal offence and could lead to up to 5 years in prison.
Any person found guilty of an offence under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 will be liable to a maximum penalty of a fine or imprisonment of up to 14 years.