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
The effects of Female Genital Mutilation
There aren't any health benefits and the procedure can cause severe bleeding and problems urinating. There could also be potential childbirth complications and newborn deaths.
As many as 6,500 girls are at risk of Female Genital Mutilation within the UK every year.
Download our FGM and forced marriage posters if you'd like to promote the services available to those affected or vulnerable.
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.