Female Genital Mutilation – increased risk in the summer holidays
According to the NHS, girls are more at risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) being carried out during the summer holidays, as this allows more time for them to ‘heal’ before they return to school.
What is FGM?
FGM is a procedure where the female genital organs are injured or changed and there is no medical reason for this. It is frequently a very traumatic and violent act and can cause physical and psychological harm in many ways.
Mandatory Reporting Duty
On 31 October 2015 a new duty was introduced that requires health and social care professionals and teachers to report known cases of FGM in girls aged under 18 to the police.
Whilst professionals are not obliged to report cases to the police where they suspect FGM may have been carried out or think a girl may be at risk, it is important to understand who may be at risk and understand how you can help.
Read our resource: Risk factors for FGM
Taken from our online training course, Female Genital Mutilation Awareness resource looks as the risk factors for FGM and what you should do if you are concerned about someone who may be at risk.
Find out more
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