2. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
- a Child Protection issue
The wellbeing and safety of children and young people is a key priority for all professionals across Scotland.
The National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland, refreshed in May 2014 contains a dedicated section on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). It sets out national expectations for all individuals working with children and young people to identify and act on child protection concerns. 
Following the letter sent to all schools about FGM in February 2014 by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Michael Russell and the Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games, Sport, Equalities and Pensioners' Rights, Shona Robison about FGM, Education Scotland has been working with the Scottish Government and a range of partners to develop a resource to raise awareness of protecting children from this form of abuse.
This initial presentation will be followed up by opportunities for professional learning and curricular development over the coming academic year

3. What is FGM? All procedures which involve the partial or total
removal of the external genitalia or injury to the
female genital organs whether for cultural or
any other non-medical reasons
The World Health Organisation
These procedures are illegal in Scotland
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is illegal in Scotland and across the UK – it is considered a form of child abuse and is a violation of a child’s right to life, their bodily integrity as well as their right to health.
It is illegal for anyone in the UK to circumcise or assist in the circumcision of a girl. It is also illegal for any UK national or any UK permanent resident to circumcise or assist in the circumcision of a girl outside of the UK.
FGM is known by a number of names, including ‘female genital cutting’, ‘circumcision’ or ‘initiation’.
The terms ‘FGM’ or ‘cut’ are increasingly used, although they are not always recognised or understood by individuals in communities who perform FGM.
It is important to know your community well and be aware of the terms they may use to describe this form of abuse.
More information about FGM can be found in the links at the end of the presentation.

4. Why does FGM occur? Justifications for FGM may include:
custom and tradition
social acceptance, especially for marriage
family honor
a sense of belonging to the group and conversely the fear of social exclusion
cultural identity – a tribal initiation into adulthood
religion, in the mistaken belief that it is a religious requirement
preserving virginity / chastity
hygiene and cleanliness
enhancing fertility
FGM is a complex issue, with a variety of explanations and motives given by individuals , families and communities who support the practice. Importantly, it can be mistakenly linked to religious practice. FGM has been condemned by religious leaders
Reasons cited for the procedure generally relate to tradition, power inequalities and ensuing the compliance of women to the dictates of their communities

5. Who is at risk?
it is estimated 2 million girls around the world every year are affected
mainly girls from Africa and the Middle East, but also some girls in the immigrant population of Europe, America and Australia
girls aged between 4 and 14 are most at risk but older or younger girls could also be at risk
The age at which FGM is performed varies – it depends on the community and geographical location:
Can be during infancy – from a few days old
During childhood – 4-14 years
At the onset of Puberty
At marriage

6. Prevalence of FGM in Africa source UNICEF (2013)
A map of the African continent, showing the average prevalence of FGM
The rate of instance is not well documented. Figures are not necessarily accurate
Importantly, in countries where the average prevalence is low – there can be individual communities in that country where the prevalence is above average and in some cases high. Safeguarding risks should not be based solely on prevalence rates.
It is more therefore more accurate to view FGM as being undertaken by specific community groups, rather than by a whole country, as communities who perform FGM straddle national boundaries
Not every woman from a practicing community will have had FGM.
Not every woman who has had FGM will support the practice.

7. In Scotland, the figures are far less clear
In Scotland, the figures are far less clear. Currently, there is no reliable estimate of prevalence of FGM in Scotland.
Source: Scottish Refugee Council, Parliamentary Briefing, February 2014
Although not necessarily an indication of prevalence, the 2011 census data suggests that at least 2,403 girls were born in Scotland to parents from FGM practicing countries between 1997 and 2011, and the number of residents in Scotland born in Africa has doubled since 2001.
The Scottish Refugee Council is currently undertaking a scoping exercise to estimate the scale of FGM across Scotland
Source: Scottish Refugee Council, Parliamentary Briefing, February 2014

8. Possible indications that FGM may be about to take place
A child from a community that is known to perform FGM may :
talk about going on a special holiday to a country where the procedure is prevalent
confide that she is to have a “special procedure” or celebration
It is important that professionals look out for signs that FGM may be about to take place. Child protection procedures must be initiated if staff have any concerns.

9. Possible indications that FGM may have already taken place
A child from a community known to perform FGM may :
spend long periods of time away from the classroom during the day with bladder or menstrual problems
have prolonged absences from school plus a noticeable behaviour change
seek to be excused from physical exercise without the support of their GP
It is also important that professionals look out for signs that FGM has already taken place so that:
Child protection procedures can be initiated if there are any concerns
ƒthe girl affected can be offered help to deal with the consequences of FGM
ƒenquiries can be made about other female family members who may need to be protected and supported
ƒcriminal investigations into the perpetrators, including those who carry out the procedure, can be considered

10. What do I do? FGM is a Child Protection issue
Follow your Child Protection procedures
Extract from the National Guidance for Child protection in Scotland 2014 Section 513
Female genital mutilation should always be seen as a cause of significant harm and normal child protection procedures should be invoked.
Where a child or young person within a family has already been subjected to female genital mutilation, consideration must be given to other female siblings or close relatives who may also be at risk.

11. Find out more
Tackling Violence Against Women National child protection guidelines

12.
Transforming lives through learning