Reports of FGM are being made daily, says NSPCC

The NSPCC says it receives reports of female genital mutilation (FGM) every day.

The children’s charity helpline logged 1,564 calls between June 2013 and January 2017 about girls thought to have been subject to, or are at risk from, the illegal practice.

Duty to report

Under a law introduced in 2015 in England and Wales, nurses, midwives, doctors and teachers have a mandatory duty to report FGM cases they become aware of in under-18s to police.

Head of NSPCC helplines John Cameron said: ‘Some families who subject their children to FGM may do so because of cultural norms or because they believe it will help their child improve their life.

‘It’s vital that everyone realises FGM serves no purpose, and leaves long-lasting physical and emotional scars. This is child abuse and against the law. It has no place in any society.’

Some callers have contacted the helpline concerned that babies might be at risk. The NSPCC has made 490 referrals to police or social services as a result of calls.

A City University London and Equality Now study showed 137,000 women and girls in England and Wales had been affected by FGM.

Protection orders

The NSPCC also highlighted figures on FGM protection orders, which were introduced to safeguard potential victims in July 2015. By the end of September 2016, 97 applications and 79 orders had been made. But figures obtained under Freedom of Information reveal there are areas where none have been issued.

A Home Office spokesperson said: ‘The government is taking world-leading action to tackle this devastating crime. But there is more to do, and Border Force officials at UK ports and airports are trained to look for girls at risk of being sent abroad, and those entering the country with the intention of carrying out these heinous acts.’

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