Female genital mutilation (FGM) is sometimes referred to as female circumcision or cutting and refers to procedures that intentionally alter and cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is a criminal offence in the UK.
Help is available if you have had FGM or you're worried that you or someone you know is at risk.
It has been estimated that over 20,000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the UK each year, and that 66,000 women in the UK are living with the consequences of FGM (NHS). The true extent is unknown due to the 'hidden' nature of the crime.
The girls may be taken to their country of origin so that FGM can be carried out during the summer holidays, allowing them time to 'heal' before they return to school. There are also worries that some girls may have FGM performed in the UK.
FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15, most commonly before puberty starts. The procedure is traditionally carried out by someone with no medical training. Anaesthetics and antiseptic treatments are not generally used and girls are often forcibly restrained.
FGM can cause severe pain, bleeding, wound infections, inability to urinate, injury to vulval tissues, damage to other organs and sometimes even death. Other complications can arise later with the onset of puberty.
You can find out more about FGM from the NHS and the NSPCC.
