Female Genital Mutilation Awareness

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It’s also known as female circumcision, cutting or sunna. Religious, social or cultural reasons are sometimes given for FGM. However, FGM is child abuse. It’s dangerous and a criminal offence. There are no medical reasons to carry out FGM. It doesn’t enhance fertility and it doesn’t make childbirth safer. It is used to control female sexuality and can cause severe and long-lasting damage to physical and emotional health.

•    Understanding of FGM: definition, types of FGM, prevalence and health implications.
•    To explore risk factors and indicators FGM has happened
•    To gain awareness on the UK FGM law and how FGM relates to the safeguarding agenda
•    Explore the role of statutory professionals in prevention, support and safeguarding from FGM.
•    Understand the importance of information sharing and joint working
•    To know about the FGM referral pathway and to the One Stop Shop – Newham.

This is a half day course is suitable for any staff working in FGM practicing communities or with an interest in this area. It is recommended that at least 2 staff in each setting/team attend this training as mobility of practitioners and families means that all may encounter this at some stage. This course will enable practitioners to have an understanding of their roles and responsibilities regarding issues relating to FGM and safeguarding.

Target Group
This course is for professionals who either work predominately or who have regular contact with children and young people; for those who hold particular responsibilities for safeguarding and for those who hold positions as professional advisors (i.e. Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5).