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Female Genital Mutilation

(FGM)

- a Child Protection issue

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What is FGM?

All procedures which involve the partial or total

removal of the external genitalia or injury to the

female genital organs whether for cultural or

any other non-medical reasons

The World Health Organisation

These procedures are illegal in Scotland

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Why does FGM occur?

Justifications for FGM may include:•custom and tradition •social acceptance, especially for marriage •family honor •a sense of belonging to the group and conversely the fear of social exclusion •cultural identity – a tribal initiation into adulthood•religion, in the mistaken belief that it is a religious requirement •preserving virginity / chastity •hygiene and cleanliness•enhancing fertility

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Who is at risk?

• it is estimated 2 million girls around the world every year are affected

• mainly girls from Africa and the Middle East, but also some girls in the immigrant population of Europe, America and Australia

• girls aged between 4 and 14 are most at risk but older or younger girls could also be at risk

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Prevalence of FGM in Africasource UNICEF (2013)

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In Scotland, the figures are far less clear. Currently, there is no reliable estimate of prevalence of

FGM in Scotland. Source: Scottish Refugee Council, Parliamentary Briefing,

February 2014

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Possible indications that FGM may be about to take place

A child from a community that is known to perform FGM may :•talk about going on a special holiday to a country where the procedure is prevalent •confide that she is to have a “special procedure” or celebration

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Possible indications that FGM may have already taken place

A child from a community known to perform FGM may :•spend long periods of time away from the classroom during the day with bladder or menstrual problems•have prolonged absences from school plus a noticeable behaviour change•seek to be excused from physical exercise without the support of their GP

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What do I do?

• FGM is a Child Protection issue

• Follow your Child Protection procedures

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Find out more

Tackling Violence Against Women

www.womenssupportproject.co.uk/vawtraining/content/femalegenitalmutilation/277,234

National child protection guidelines

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/05/3052/0

www.educationscotland.gov.uk

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