FGM

FGM is Illegal

INFORMATION FOR CHILDREN CAN BE FOUND HERE

Female circumcision and cutting

It has been estimated that over 20,000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk of FGM in the UK each year, and that 66,000 women in the UK are living with the consequences of FGM. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a growing cause of concern in schools.

FMG is child abuse and a form of violence against women and girls, and therefore it is dealt with as part of existing child and adult safeguarding/protection structures, policies and procedures. It is illegal in the UK to subject a child to female genital mutilation (FGM) or to take a child abroad to undergo the procedure - Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. Despite the harm it causes, FGM practising communities consider it normal to protect their cultural identity. The age at which girls are subject to FGM varies greatly from shortly after birth to any time up to adulthood. The average age is 10 - 12 years.

At Oasis Academy Mayfield, our staff are alerted to the following key indicators:

• A child's family comes from a community that is known to practise FGM.
• A child may talk about a long holiday to a country where the practice is prevalent.
• A child may confide that she is to have a 'special procedure' or to attend a special occasion.
• A child may request help from a teacher or another adult.

Any female born to a woman or has a sister who has been subjected to FGM will be considered to be at risk, as much as other female children in the extended family. Any information or concern that a child is at risk of or has undergone FGM will result in a child protection referral to Childrens' Social Care.

Other sites that can offer help:

Medical Advice and Information about FGM: NHS Choices 

Advice and counselling for anyone affected by FGM: Forward

Support for young people from women who have experienced FGM themselves: Daughters of Eve

Read what the Government has to say about FGM and a quick list of places you can get help: GOV.UK