Female genital mutilation, honour based violence and forced marriage
FGM pathway for Hertfordshire professionals
This tool is to help professionals working in Health, Education, Children’s and Adult’s Social Care, Police, Probation, Youth Services, Voluntary Sector to identify and assess the risk of FGM. It should be read in conjunction with the Hertfordshire (HSCP) Safeguarding Children Partnership’s inter-agency safeguarding procedures on FGM:
This guidance gives professionals information on FGM, the law and a useful screening tool to accompany referrals to Children’s Services.
Female genital mutilation protection orders
Anyone who fears somebody is at risk of FGM can apply to a family court for an FGMPO. This includes schools.
National guidance
Gov.UK: Multi-agency statutory guidance on female genital mutilation
Hertfordshire guidance
Keeping children and young people safe from all forms of abuse is a top priority in Hertfordshire.
Information, fact sheets and leaflets on forced marriage, honour-based abuse and Female Genital Mutilation:
Resources
NSPCC resources
This is a link to a range of information and guidance by the NSPCC on FGM, including what FGM is, signs of FGM, what to do if a child reveals abuse, the effects of FGM, why it happens, who is at risk and support available for parents, young people and children. There is a link to an NSPCC FGM helpline which can be called 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 9am-6pm at the weekend: 0800 028 3550.
NSPCC: What is female genital mutilation (FGM)?
Professionals may also find further learning on FGM on the NSPCC Learning area:
NSPCC: Protecting children from female genital mutilation (FGM)
Female genital mutilation: resource pack
This resource was developed in response to requests for clearer direction from central government about the safeguarding responsibilities of local authorities. It is designed to highlight examples from areas where effective practice has been identified and to emphasise what works in fighting female genital mutilation (FGM).
Gov.UK: Female genital mutilation resource pack
Governments FGM Unit’s FGM e-learning course – FREE
A free online safeguarding training course developed for the Home Office by Virtual College.
Home Office: Female genital mutilation: recognising and preventing FGM
Videos for Children about FGM
'My Body My Rules' is a three minute animated film aimed at raising awareness of female genital mutilation (FGM) amongst primary school aged children in the UK. Developed by FORWARD and Animage Films.
Think Again" is a thought-provoking film that follows a 12-year-old's struggle between family honour and the facts about FGM. On discovering that her mum wants to take her back home to be 'cut' she explores the implications FGM has on her life and the misconceptions that explain why the practice persists in the 21st century.
Lets Talk FGM App
Lets Talk FGM is an app designed to facilitate discussions about female genital mutilation (FGM) between health professionals and the people they serve.
The app includes soundbites of key information in five languages about the impact of FGM, why it happens, the law and how to protect children, as well as providing local support for survivors.
The app also includes video interviews with FGM survivors, campaigners and health professionals who support FGM survivors.