FGM (Female Genital Mutilation)

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a term for procedures which include the partial or total removal of the external female genital organs, or injury to the female genital organs, for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons.

This procedure can cause blood loss or infection and may even prove fatal. In the longer term, women who have undergone some form of FGM are twice as likely to die in childbirth, and four times more likely to give birth to a still born child.

FGM is also described in other terms including female circumcision, cutting sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez and khitan, among others.

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Victim/Witness

I have been a victim of FGM
You have had female genital mutilation carried out on you
I think I am at risk of FGM
You believe that you be at risk of becoming a victim of female genital mutilation
I know someone at risk of FGM
You know someone that you believe is at risk of becoming a victim of female genital mutilation
I think I know people carrying out FGM
You believe you know people or have information about a place where female genital mutilation is taking place
I am a social care professional
You are a social care professional or teacher and have information about female genital mutilation
There are witnesses
Someone saw the incident happen
I don't think there are any witnesses
You don't know if anyone saw what happened

Your situation

I am under 18 years old
You are under 18 years of age
I do not speak English very well
English is not your first language and you may have difficulties discussing your concerns

The person who did this

I know who did this
You have details of, or know who committed the crime
I don’t know who is involved but I do have a description
You don’t know those involved but you do have a description of what they look like
I don't have a name or description of anyone involved, but I do have other details
You do not have a description or name of people involved, but do have details such as their address, their place of work, their number plate, online details etc.
Someone I know has details about who is involved in this
Someone believes they have information about the people responsible.
I don't know who is involved in this
You do not have any details about who is committing the crime

Evidence

There is video footage or photos
There may be CCTV, video or images of the incident or offender
They left something behind
The suspect may have left an item behind
There are verbal or written comments
Someone involved said something, or wrote something online or sent emails or messages
I don’t know if there is any evidence
You are unsure if there is evidence that can help with the investigation

Concerns

This is affecting my mental or physical health
You would like support following the FGM
I have been cut but I don’t want to be identified
You may be reluctant report FGM as you don’t want to be identified in court reports
I do not want to go to court
You do not feel comfortable taking part in a trial or hearing
I don’t want to get my family into trouble
You may be worried that speaking to the police may get your family into trouble
FGM is considered part of your culture
You may believe that FGM is cultural and not criminal
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