Page 74 - Getting it Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire

Female Genital Mutilation Female Genital Mutilation is first and foremost a child protection issue. If you have any concerns at all that a child or young person may be at risk of, or already subject to, female genital mutilation, you should follow your organisation’s child protection procedures and contact social services and the police without delay. Definition Female Genital Mutilation is the unnecessary alteration or injury of the female genital organs. The World Health Organization identifies four main types. WHO identify that girls from birth to 15 years are particularly at risk. The ages of between 4 -7 emerges as a stage where risks may be increased. Evidence identifies that this harm occurs also in older females. This procedure will be carried out for non-medical reasons by unqualified people sometimes referred to as ‘cutter’. Women and young girls may be trafficked outwith the UK to have the procedure performed. School summer holidays emerge as a particular time of risk as it is thought that the girls and young women will heal and recover for the procedure in time to return to education. There is also growing evidence that female genital mutilation is also being arranged in Scotland. Children may be internally trafficked to one site to allow the cutting ‘procedure’ to take place. Cultural norms are a driving factor for this abuse as it is seen to be the ‘right thing’ to do as a parent. Patriarchy and discrimination are highly prevalent factors with the procedure being used to discourage young men from being sexually active prior to marriage. Other factors are the mistaken belief that it is a religious requirement, hygiene and cleanliness, increasing sexual pleasure for the male and family honour. FGM is a violation of the rights of the child. The practice is illegal in the UK and will cause severe physical and psychological trauma to victims both in the short and long term. Further Guidance More information regarding Female Genital Mutilation can be found here. http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/key-issues/fgm Shakti Women’s Aid is a Scottish based organisation which will provide information and advice to practitioners Shakti Women’s Aid : 0131 475 2399 http://www.shaktiedinburgh.co.uk Getting It Right For Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire DRAFT V1.1 March 2014 Page No:74