1. Female Genital Mutilation
A Police Perspective
DC Helen Tonks

2. Aims and Objectives Overview of legislation
Identify and understand issues with investigations

3. Legislation Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003
It is an offence for a person to excise, infibulate or otherwise mutilate the whole or any part of a girls labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris either in the UK (excluding Scotland) or to arrange for a female to be taken abroad for the purpose of FGM

4. Offences Carrying out the act itself
Assisting girl to mutilate her own genitalia
Assisting a non-UK person to mutilate overseas a girls genitalia
All of the above include aid, abet, counsel or procure

5. An act is relevant act of FGM if it is done in relation to a UK National OR
Permanent UK resident
These offences extend to any act done outside of the UK by a UK National or permanent UK resident

6. Approved persons Registered Medical Practitioner
Registered Midwife or person undergoing a course of training with a view to becoming a practitioner or midwife

7. Issues Safeguarding Assumptions Lack of trust Lack of education
Lack of knowledge within professionals
Proof of date of offence (ie when procedure carried out)
Physical signs
Disclosure

8. Any questions?