FGM (female genital mutilation)

FGM is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed, but there's no medical reason for this to be done.

It's also known as female circumcision or cutting, and by other terms, such as sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez and khitan, among others.

FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15, most commonly before puberty starts.

It's illegal in the UK and is treated as child abuse.

It's very painful and can seriously harm the health of women and girls.

It can also cause long-term physical and mental health problems.

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.

If someone is in immediate danger, contact the police immediately by dialling 999.

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.

You are not alone and there are people to help.  In addition, if you would like to talk to us and for us to signpost you to relevant services please do ask to speak to someone at school in confidence or email st.bonaventures.p@bristol-schools.uk