Female genital mutilation (FGM)

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Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the deliberate alteration, injury or removal of a female's external genitalia for non-medical reasons. It's sometimes referred to as female cutting or female circumcision.

FGM is a harmful practice that is most commonly carried out on girls from infancy through to adolescence. It's often driven by cultural, social or family pressures. Some communities believe it will prepare a girl for marriage, preserve family honour, or improve her future prospects.

The act is sometimes incorrectly associated with religion. There are no religious teachings in any major faith that require or support the practice.

FGM can have devastating consequences for victims. It may cause severe pain, shock, bleeding, infection, psychological trauma, and a range of long-term physical and mental health complications. This includes difficulties during childbirth.

There are no health benefits to FGM. Find out more about the medical aspects of FGM.

FGM is a form of child abuse and violence against women and girls. It's a serious criminal offence in the UK. Anyone who is at risk of FGM, or concerned about someone who may be at risk, should seek help and report their concerns.

Types of FGM

FGM is grouped into four main types:

• type 1: part or total removal of the clitoris or clitoral hood
• type 2: part or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minor
• type 3: narrowing of the vaginal opening 
• type 4: all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes

FGM and the law

The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 makes it illegal to:

• perform FGM in the UK
• help or arrange for anyone to carry out FGM abroad on girls who are British Nationals or UK residents
• help a girl to carry out FGM on herself
• fail to protect a girl under 16 who is known to be at risk of FGM

FGM carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.

Warning signs

There are a number of signs a girl could have been a victim of FGM:

• changes in behaviour
• missing school, particularly after a trip to a country where FGM is common
• spending long periods of time out of the classroom
• spending longer than usual going to the toilet
• avoiding going to the toilet
• discomfort when sitting down
• avoiding physical exercise 
• frequent menstrual or urinary infections

Children often don't know that FGM is going to take place. This means there may be few warning signs before it happens. But, sometimes children do know in advance, which can lead to a change in their behaviour, such as seeking advice or help from professionals and friends.

Next: How to report FGM