Metropolitan Police Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command PROJECT AZURE FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION DC Natalie Reseigh

Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command The Law FGM is Child Abuse and against the Law….. The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 makes it illegal to: Perform FGM in the UK. Aid, abet, counsel or procure a non UK National to carry out FGM on girls who are British Nationals or permanent residents of the UK abroad, whether or not it is lawful in that country To aid, abet, counsel or procure a girl to carry out FGM on herself Penalty of up to 14 years in prison or a fine

Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command New last year Extension of extra-territorial liability to "habitual" UK residents Lifelong victim anonymity Parents's and guardians' liability for failing to protect a child from FGM (Serious Crime Act 2015)

Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command Civil Protection Orders for FGM Female Genital Mutilation Protection orders went live on 17th July They are designed to help safeguard girls under 18 who are at risk of FGM at home in the UK or abroad or even those who are already victims. Anyone who fears that someone is at risk of FGM can apply to a family court from an FGMPO. This includes people who think they could be victim themselves or are already victims, local authorities, teachers, doctors, social workers or other third parties. Given the nature of these cases 23 family courts have been designated to deal with FGMPO applications. This list can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Mandatory reporting for regulated professionals – went live on 31 st October 2015 As of the 31st October 2015 all regulated professionals will have to report direct to Police any child U18 that either: · As a result of examination FGM has been visually identified. · Discloses that they themselves have had FGM or New last year

Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command There have been NO convictions under FGM legislation in the UK… We have had ONE prosecution within the UK No cases referred to CPS until 2010 All cases are now referred to CPS at the early stages of the investigation SOPS have been published – giving direction to officers

Under reported crime – Lack of referrals Studies suggest 6,500 girls are at risk in London each year Since 2009 we have had under 400 referrals FGM prevalence is difficult to estimate in the UK and worldwide The MPS use a flagging system to collate this data Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command

Some Barriers to Reporting… Children are unlikely to ‘tell on their parents’ Many from loving / caring families, only occasion for professional intervention Once in a lifetime event Honour Based Violence Community Acceptance / Marriage Victim’s maybe too young to remember Language / Immigration status Unaware of the law Lack of understanding of health implications, they may not connect the health complications they suffer as an adult being connected to the FGM they suffered as a child Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command

Current Issue Victims are extremely unwilling to come forward and report their parents The challenge is getting the victim to court We have 16 Child Abuse Investigation Teams across London, We have the resources but we don’t have the information/Intelligence There is no cooperate response amongst other professional's to recognise and report Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command

Best interest of the child / dispelling myths We are asking children / young people to give evidence that might result in their loved ones being imprisoned Consider; what are the consequences for that child? We have to consider if prosecution is in the best interest of the child. Is this safeguarding Rejection Family / Community Pressure to withdraw Family / Community Child removed Family / Community Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command

Multi Agency approach is vital – We can’t do this alone Family Border force Doctor / Nurse Police OfficerSocial worker School Community Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command

How can we overcome these barriers, what we have implemented Project Azure, dedicated SPOCS Prevention campaigns – Operation Limelight Awareness & Joint Training Advice, Support & Guidance Intelligence opportunities Partnership working MPS and CPS Protocol Guidance for Schools Work with the schools to educate and empower the young people Listen to the youth, give them a voice Mandatory reporting Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command

Artwork by Year 9 Frederick Bremer School

Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command NSPCC HELPLINE Call the NSPCC's FGM Helpline on Or Project Azure

Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command Thank you very much