1. Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

2. What?
FGM. Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons (WHO). It has no health benefits and harms women in many ways. It is also sometimes referred to as female genital cutting or female circumcision.

3. Principles of Policy Safety & welfare of child paramount
All agencies act in the interests of the rights of the child (UN convention 1989)
FGM/C is illegal in the UK
Not to be left to be decided by personal preference – extremely harmful practice
Professionals not fear branded as ‘racist’ or ‘discriminatory’ weakens protection & support

4. Principles
Accessible, acceptable and sensitive health education, police, social care and voluntary sector services underpin interventions.
Acknowledge some FGM practicing families do not see as an act of abuse.
Often embedded ‘cultural practice’ requires engagement with families and communities to achieve a long-term abandonment and eradication of GFM/C

5. Principles Decisions , plans based on quality assessments
Sensitive to issues of race, culture, gender, religion and sexuality
Avoid stigmatising girl/woman affected
Avoid stigmatising practising community as far as possible

6. Royal London
Partnership working with foundation for care and management of FGM/C
Sensitive questioning
Cultural awareness
Emotional support
No blame
Supporting change within local communities

7. Partnership working Assessing risk of FGM/C occurrence Preventing harm
Negate multiple referrals to different agencies
Prevent unnecessary social care involvement
Assessment of FGM/C
Degree
Referral for de-infibulation
Identify urinary tract problems and refer
Psychological assessment – referral to PMHT
Peer Support
attendance at Sylvia Pankhurst for de-infibulation

8. MDT Named FGM social care worker Midwife
Tower Hamlets FGM project co-ordinator
Dr. Janet Barter
Named Obstetrician

9. What’s next? Develop ‘One Stop Appointment’ Develop MDT
Midwives trained to perform de-infibulation
GP referral to service
Normalise reversal of FGM/C
Prevent FGM/C!

10. Type 4 Don’t forget to ask about Piercings! Don’t forget to look!
Labial piercings- rings , studs and chains
Clitoral rings or studs
Perineal disks
Don’t forget to look!
Anyone could have one or more!

11. Thank you