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FGM

What is FGM?

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is defined as “all procedures which include the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
FGM is abuse of the human rights of girls and women and is therefore a child protection issue.
FGM is illegal in the UK and it is illegal to prepare, send or take a child to another country.
If you suspect that any girl in Swindon is at risk of being subjected to any form of FGM you must take action to report it immediately by contacting Family Contact Point.
Swindon Safeguarding Partnership has developed a strategy outlining the partnership approach to tackling FGM in Swindon.  Further information can be found here.

Swindon LSCB FGM Toolkit

Swindon Safeguarding Partnership has developed a toolkit for practitioners who may be working with women who are victims of FGM or children who may be at risk of FGM.  The toolkit includes:

Swindon Multi Agency Guidance on FGM ​

Swindon PowerPoint presentation on FGM (for use in training)

FGM Facts and Figures Poster​

Swindon Safeguarding Partnership has developed a pocket guide giving key information on FGM.  Copies can be obtained free of charge by contacting the SSP Business Unit on safeguardingpartnership@swindon.gov.uk

Other FGM resources

The National FGM Centre’s Vision is to keep children and young people safe from FGM and other Harmful Practices, including ending new cases of FGM by 2030. The Centre aims to:

  • Prevent new cases
  • Protect children and young people
  • Support those affected by FGM and other Harmful Practices
  • Partner to deliver services and learn

They have had 390 case referrals between Sept 2015 – December 2018 from Local Authorities in East England and London and 14 from other Local Authorities in England and Wales. They have supported the application of 23 FGM Protection Orders over this time.

As of October 2017, their remit expanded to include Breast Flattening and Child Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief.

In June 2019 the Centre published its FGM Guidance to Schools

The government FGM webpages are available at www.fco.gov.uk/fgm, and an email address has been set up at fgm@fco.gov.uk for anyone with concerns or questions about FGM. National Statutory Guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multi-agency-statutory-guidance-on-female-genital-mutilation

'Tackling FGM in the UK: Intercollegiate recommendations for identifying, recording and reporting' is published by The Royal College of Midwives (2013)
HM Government Multi Agency Practice Guidelines: Female Genital Mutilation (2018)

​​​The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published a clinical handbook on the care of girls and women living with female genital mutilation (FGM). The Handbook offers advice on how to: communicate effectively and sensitively with girls who have developed health issues due to FGM; work with patients and families to prevent the practice of FGM; and identify when and where to refer patients who need additional support and care. 
​​​Care of Girls and Women Living with FGM (WHO Handbook).pdf​

​Training

Local training in FGM is available from Swindon Safeguarding Partnership and the Home Office have issued free online training.  Please see SSP training pages for more information.