Our joint commitment to tackle female genital mutilation

We are continuing to work alongside partners to raise awareness of female genital mutilation – and ensure those responsible of committing such crimes are brought to justice.

School safeguarding leads, health and social care representatives from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland discussed the practice – which is illegal in the UK – during a conference at force headquarters in Enderby yesterday (Tuesday 11 October).

We want as many people as possible know what FGM is – and know incidents or concerns about those at risk can be reported. Our message is simple - #ProtectOurGirls.

Also known as ‘cutting’ or ‘female circumcision’, female genital mutilation (FGM) involves removing or damaging normal, healthy genital tissue. Anyone involved in committing or facilitating FGM could be arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned.

The FGM conference was held at force headquarters

“We believe there are people living within our communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who are at risk of FGM – and either they or those around them may not realise it’s an illegal practice,” said Detective Sergeant Lee Fowler – one of the force’s FGM leads.

“It’s important to stress that there aren’t any health benefits to FGM whatsoever. In fact, the practice of removing normal, healthy tissue can have a detrimental impact on a girl’s wellbeing. It can lead to both immediate and long-term complications.”

The conference, which involved guests hearing directly from survivors of FGM as well as the group Oxford Against Cutting, was organised to raise awareness of the practice – but also ensure anyone coming into contact with victims or potential victims can make a necessary intervention.

It also coincided with Unicef’s International Day of the Girl – focussed on increasing attention on issues that matter to girls among governments, policymakers and the general public – which was celebrating its tenth anniversary.

“As victims tend to be younger girls, any reports are investigated by our Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU),” said DS Lou Wills – another of the force’s FGM leads. “While we’re responsible for investigating any reports, we’re very much reliant on schools and healthcare professionals making us aware of their concerns so appropriate action can be taken.

“We believe it’s important for as many people as possible to hear first-hand what victims have been through so we can all gain a better understanding of what might put someone at risk.”

DS Lou Wills, DS Lee Fowler, FGM activist Sarian Karim-Kamara and DS Anna Blockley

Other guests at the conference also included representatives from both the Metropolitan Police and West Midlands Police, who have both been proactive in tackling FGM. “The Metropolitan Police have secured a successful conviction of someone accused of being involved in FGM”, said another force lead, DS Anna Blockley.

“It was important for colleagues to hear how they were able to secure this conviction. We want to continue working closely with our partners to safeguard and protect those at risk – but we also need to enforce the law.

“There’s a mandatory reporting duty for anyone working in health or social care environments – as well as teachers – to report any known cases of FGM involving girls under the age of 18 to police.

“It’s not just a female issue either – we need strong male voices to speak out against a violent practice and help by reporting cases or concerns.”

Reports can be made to police either online – by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ – or calling 101. Other support available includes:

• If you're worried a child is at risk of, or is already a victim of FGM, you can call the NSPCC’s free, anonymous dedicated FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 (+44 (0)800 828 3550 from overseas) or email [email protected]
• The Dahlia Project is a FGM support and counselling service and they can be contacted by calling 020 7281 8970
• 28 Too Many is a FGM charity aiming to tackle the practice worldwide. Further information can be found by visiting https://www.28toomany.org/
• Daughters of Eve is a non-profit organisation signposting victims and those at risk to further support. You can text them on 07983 030488
• The Freedom Charity works to provide help and support around FGM as well as forced marriage and honour-based violence. Call 0845 607 0133 or text 4freedom to 88802
• Karma Nirvana also runs a helpline to support victims of honour-based abuse. You can contact them on 0800 5999 247
• Further information about FGM can be found by visiting https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/ or http://nationalfgmcentre.org.uk/