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Learn about the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), its types, reasons, and health consequences. Discover how to identify and intervene in cases of FGM and why it is important to safeguard girls and women from this harmful practice.
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FGM ReportDr S K SethiCity LSCB -June 2015 Why us? Why now?
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-therapeutic reasons The World Health Organisation
types • I – circumcision – removal of clitoris • II – Excision – I + removal of Minora • III – Infibulation – I + II + Majora • IV – Piercing, chemicals, burns – everything else
Identification and Intervention There are 3 circumstances • Child at risk • Child has been abused through FGM • Mother has undergone FGM
Why is FGM carried out? • Religion is NOT a basis for FGM • Cultural identity – A tribal initiation into adulthood • Gender Identity – Moving from girl to woman – enhancing femininity • Sexual control – believed to reduce the woman’s desire for sex and therefore the possibility of sex outside marriage • Hygiene/cleanliness – unmutilated women are regarded as unclean and not allowed to handle food or water
How is FGM carried out? • Varies from community to community • generally by an elder woman in the community using non-sterile, blunt instruments without anaesthetic • UK • girls are taken on “holiday” to become a woman • Communities are believed to have their own practitioners here • Some doctors will do this under anaesthetic
Indications that FGM may be about to take place….. • The family come from a community that is known to practise FGM • Parents state they will take the child out of the country for a prolonged period • A child may talk about a long holiday to a country where the practice is prevalent • A child may confide that she is to have a “special procedure” or celebration
Indications that FGM may have already taken place….. • A child may spend long periods of time away from the classroom during the day with bladder or menstrual problems • Prolonged absences from School plus a noticeable behaviour change • The child requiring to be excused from physical exercise without the support of their GP
Communities at Risk 29 practising countries in particular • Somalia – 98% • Sierra Leone – 90% • Ethiopia - 90% • Sudan – 91% • In Middle East – Egypt – 97%
Health Consequences Short term • Haemorrhage • Severe pain & shock • Urine retention • Infection including tetanus & HIV • Injury to adjacent tissue • Fracture or dislocation to limbs as a result of restraint
Health Consequences Long-Term • Difficulty with passing urine & chronic urinary tract infections which can lead to renal problems or renal failure • Difficulties with menstruation • Acute & chronic pelvic infections which can lead to infertility • Sexual dysfunction/Psychological/Flashbacks • Complications during pregnancy • Chronic scar formations
What do I do? • You must inform your designated child protection Advisor • They must make a referral to the Local Authority Children’s Social Care • Holistic – child and Think Family • Legal parameters – March 2004.
Why do we need to Safeguard Girls and Women from FGM ? FGM is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. FGM constitutes child abuse and causes physical, psychological and sexual harm which is life long. FGM is performed on a child who is unable to resist or give informed consent FGM is illegal in the UK.
