Female genital mutilation (FGM)

Stop FGM

FGM stands for Female Genital Mutilation. It happens when some or all of a woman or girl’s private parts are removed or altered. FGM is abuse, and it’s illegal in the UK.

Types of FGM +

There are 4 main types of FGM:

type 1 (clitoridectomy) – removing part or all of the clitoris
type 2 (excision) – removing part or all of the clitoris and the inner labia (the lips that surround the vagina), with or without removal of the labia majora (the larger outer lips)
type 3 (infibulation) – narrowing the vaginal opening by creating a seal, formed by cutting and repositioning the labia
other harmful procedures to the female genitals, including pricking, piercing, cutting, scraping or burning the area

FGM is often performed by traditional circumcisers or cutters who do not have any medical training. But in some countries it may be done by a medical professional.

FGM can happen at different times in a girl or woman's life, including:

when a baby is new-born
during childhood or as a teenager
just before marriage
during pregnancy.

Effects of FGM +

It can cause serious harm, including:

severe and/or constant pain
infections, such as tetanus, HIV and hepatitis B and C
pain or difficulty having sex
period problems
infertility
bleeding, cysts and abscesses
difficulties urinating or incontinence
organ damage
problems during pregnancy and childbirth, which can be life-threatening for the mother and baby
mental health problems, such as depression, flashbacks and self-harm
death from blood loss or infections

Getting help and support +

All women and girls have the right to control what happens to their bodies and the right to say no to FGM.

Help is available if you have had FGM or you're worried that you or someone you know is at risk.

You can contact our Adult Social Care First Response Team on 01925 443322 or Outside of office hours ring us on 01925 444400
If you're concerned that someone may be at risk, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0800 028 3550 or fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk.
If you're under pressure to have FGM performed on your daughter, ask a GP, your health visitor or another healthcare professional for help, or contact the NSPCC helpline.
If you have had FGM, you can get help from a specialist NHS gynecologist or FGM service – ask a GP, your midwife or any other healthcare professional about services in your area.

If you know someone in immediate danger

Contact the police if you think that a girl or young woman is in immediate danger of FGM. You should also contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office if she’s already been taken abroad.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

telephone: 020 7008 1500
from overseas: +44 (0)20 7008 1500

You can also contact the nearest British embassy if you’re already abroad.

Get an FGM Protection Order +

Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders (FGMPOs) offer a legal means to protect and safeguard victims and potential victims of FGM.

FGMPOs are granted by a court and are unique to each case. They contain conditions to protect a victim or potential victim from FGM. This could include surrendering a passport to prevent the person at risk from being taken abroad for FGM or requirements that no one arranges for FGM to be performed on the person being protected.

You can apply to get a protection order from the court if: