Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Definition, Indicators and Professional Response

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a form of child abuse, violence against women and girls, and a serious violation of human rights. FGM is illegal in the UK and can have significant physical, psychological and emotional consequences for children and young people.

FGM is a safeguarding concern that requires an immediate response when identified or suspected. Professionals working with children and young people should understand the indicators of risk, know how to respond to concerns, and be aware of their safeguarding and legal responsibilities.

FGM can affect girls from infancy through to adulthood, although it is most commonly carried out during childhood.

This guidance should be read alongside:

 

What is Female Genital Mutilation?

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, for non-medical reasons.

FGM has no health benefits and can result in serious lifelong harm.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies four types of FGM:

Type 1

Partial or total removal of the clitoris.

Type 2

Partial or total removal of the clitoris and labia minora.

Type 3 (Infibulation)

Narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal.

Type 4

All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes.

Professionals do not need to know the specific type of FGM to take safeguarding action.

Why FGM Matters

FGM can cause significant immediate and long-term harm.

Immediate Physical Consequences

Girls may experience:

  • Severe pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Shock
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Injury to surrounding tissue
  • Hospital admission
  • Death

Long-Term Physical Consequences

Women and girls may experience:

  • Chronic pain
  • Recurrent infections
  • Menstrual difficulties
  • Urinary problems
  • Sexual difficulties
  • Fertility issues
  • Pregnancy and childbirth complications

Emotional and Psychological Impact

FGM can result in:

  • Trauma
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Flashbacks
  • Low self-esteem
  • Trust difficulties
  • Post-traumatic stress

The impact of FGM may continue throughout adulthood.

Understanding FGM

FGM is Child Abuse

FGM is not a cultural, religious or medical practice.

It is:

  • Child abuse
  • Violence against women and girls
  • A safeguarding concern
  • A criminal offence

Professionals must treat FGM as a safeguarding issue and respond accordingly.

FGM is Illegal

Under UK law it is an offence to:

  • Perform FGM.
  • Assist someone to carry out FGM.
  • Arrange or facilitate FGM.
  • Take a child abroad for FGM.
  • Fail to protect a girl from the risk of FGM in certain circumstances.

FGM is illegal regardless of whether it takes place in the UK or abroad.

Further information:

FGM May Be Hidden

FGM is often planned in secret and children may be unaware of what is intended.a

Professionals should recognise that girls may:

  • Be reluctant to discuss concerns.
  • Not understand what FGM is.
  • Be under pressure from family or community members.
  • Fear consequences if they disclose concerns.

How Might FGM Present?

FGM concerns may arise because:

  • A girl is believed to be at risk.
  • A girl discloses concerns.
  • A professional identifies warning signs.
  • FGM is identified during healthcare treatment.
  • Information is received from another agency.

Professionals may see indicators before or after FGM has taken place.

Signs and Indicators

Indicators That a Girl May Be at Risk

Family and Community Indicators

A girl may be at increased risk where:

  • FGM is known within the family.
  • A mother, sister or close relative has undergone FGM.
  • Family members support the practice.
  • Preparations are being made for a ceremony or celebration.
  • A family plans extended travel abroad.
  • There is discussion about becoming a woman.
  • The family originates from a community where FGM is practised.

Risk cannot be determined solely by ethnicity, nationality or religion.

Possible Warning Signs

Professionals may become aware that:

  • The girl is withdrawn or anxious.
  • A special occasion is being planned.
  • Family members are arranging travel abroad.
  • The girl expresses concern about an upcoming trip.
  • There is discussion of a “procedure”, “cutting” or “ceremony”.
  • Siblings have previously undergone FGM.

Indicators That FGM May Have Taken Place

A girl may:

  • Have difficulty sitting or walking.
  • Spend unusually long periods in the toilet.
  • Experience pain or discomfort.
  • Be absent from education following travel.
  • Require repeated medical attention.
  • Appear distressed or withdrawn.
  • Discuss a procedure that took place overseas.

Healthcare professionals may identify physical indicators during treatment or examination.

Questions for Professional Curiosity

Professionals should consider:

  • Has the child expressed concerns about travel abroad?
  • Is there a family history of FGM?
  • Have there been discussions about a special ceremony?
  • Have siblings undergone FGM?
  • Has the child returned from a prolonged absence?
  • Are there unexplained health issues or distress?
  • What does the child say about their concerns?
  • Are there indicators of coercion or pressure?
  • What information is available from partner agencies?

Mandatory Reporting Duty

Certain regulated health and social care professionals and teachers have a legal duty to make a report to the police where:

They are informed by a girl under 18 that she has undergone FGM

or

They observe physical signs of FGM on a girl under 18 and have no reason to believe the procedure was necessary for physical or mental health reasons.

Reports must be made to the police as soon as possible and normally within one working day.

Further information:

Practice Considerations

Never Assume FGM Is Not a Risk

Professionals should avoid assumptions about risk based on:

  • Appearance
  • Religion
  • Family circumstances
  • Level of education
  • Socio-economic status

Assessment should be based on the information available and the child’s circumstances.

Keep the Child at the Centre

Professionals should focus on:

  • The child’s wishes and feelings.
  • The child’s safety.
  • Immediate risks.
  • Longer-term protection and support.

Do Not Attempt Mediation

If FGM is suspected:

Professionals should not:

  • Attempt family mediation.
  • Seek assurances that concerns are unfounded.
  • Arrange community intervention without safeguarding advice.
  • Delay referral whilst seeking additional evidence.

Safeguarding action should be taken immediately.

Consider Risks to Other Children

If one child has undergone FGM, professionals should consider whether:

  • Siblings are at risk.
  • Other children within the family are at risk.
  • Wider safeguarding action may be required.

What Should Professionals Do?

Immediate Risk

If there is concern that FGM is planned or likely to take place imminently:

Take Immediate Action

  • Contact Police immediately.
  • Contact Children’s Social Care immediately.
  • Seek safeguarding advice urgently.

Do not wait for confirmation before making a referral.

Concerns About FGM

Contact Children’s Social Care (MASH)

Telephone: 0191 424 5010

Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 5.00pm

Friday: 8.30am to 4.30pm

Out of Hours

Telephone: 0191 456 2093

Referral Routes

Recording FGM Concerns

Professionals should record:

  • Child disclosures.
  • Family information.
  • Travel plans.
  • Observations.
  • Risk indicators.
  • Information from other agencies.
  • Safeguarding actions taken.
  • Professional analysis.

Records should be factual, timely and evidence-based.

Information Sharing

FGM is a safeguarding matter requiring appropriate information sharing.

Relevant information may include:

  • Family history.
  • Travel arrangements.
  • Previous safeguarding concerns.
  • Health information.
  • School concerns.
  • Information from professionals working with siblings.

Effective safeguarding requires timely information sharing between agencies.

Further guidance:

 

Local Guidance and Resources

South Tyneside

Regional

Relevant chapters include:

  • Female Genital Mutilation
  • Children at Risk of Significant Harm
  • Information Sharing
  • Child Protection

National Resources

Key Practice Message

FGM is child abuse and a serious criminal offence. If a girl is at risk, professionals must act immediately to protect her. Do not delay referrals, attempt mediation, or seek proof before taking action. Keep the child at the centre of decision making, share information appropriately, and remember that early intervention may prevent significant harm.

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