Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the removal or partial removal of external female genitalia or deliberate damage or injury to the female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

Other name or terms for FGM include cutting, female circumcision, sunna, halalays, tahur, megrez, khitan and gudniin. It is often claimed to be done for cultural or religious reasons, but there is no medical or health benefits to FGM and it is a crime in the UK. 

It is regarded as child abuse.

FGM is usually carried out on girls from birth to 15 years or the start of puberty and it can cause long term and sometimes irreversible physical and mental health problems. It is a painful procedure that is not done by medical experts.

Signs to be aware of:

• Prolonged visits to the toilet
• Complaints of pain
• A planned or extended trip abroad
• Frequent vaginal infections
• Change in behaviour following an absence

If a child discloses the knowledge of FGM, or has experienced or is about to experience it, you must inform the DSL immediately. If the child is at imminent risk, contact the police.