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News: Latest News distributed around Yorkshire June 14, 2016 11:06:37 AM
Rotherham Safeguarding Children Board which includes police, Rotherham Council, Ashiana Sheffield and NHS groups have launched a week of events to raise awareness of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the borough.
Yesterday (Monday 13 June) marked the beginning of a four-day programme of events for professionals who work with children and those who could encounter victims, potential victims and affected communities.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves any procedure that removes part or all of the external female genitalia, or any procedure that involves injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
While it is thought that the crime predominantly takes place outside the UK, police believe it is vastly under-reported and the launch event brought together charities, police, health and local authority agencies to better understand the warning signs of this crime.
Christine Cassell, Chair of Rotherham Safeguarding Children Board, said: “It is really important that we work with community organisations to understand how best to encourage and support the way in those communities think about FGM and the harm it causes.”
Police specialist officers will be delivering some of the training at the week’s events, helping professionals understand recent legislation changes around mandatory reporting. Regulated professionals are now lawfully bound to report known cases of FGM in girls under 18-years-old to police.
Detective Sergeant Suzanne Bluck, deputy lead for FGM for South Yorkshire Police, said: “Raising awareness of a crime that is still largely regarded as ‘taboo’ is absolutely crucial if we are to prevent this abhorrent practise being carried out against young girls and women in Rotherham, and across South Yorkshire.
“We are now approaching the summer holidays, a time when young girls may be taken abroad under the guise of a family holiday or special celebration, when in reality they will be subject to this barbaric act of criminality.
“This is a despicable form of violence against women and girls, and is a violation of their human rights. We all have a responsibility to work together to protect the community from harm and I hope that the week’s events prove insightful and helpful for those attending.”
Under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, it is illegal for FGM to be performed. It is also an offence for a UK national or permanent UK resident to carry out FGM, or help and enable someone else to carry out FGM. This applies even when the victim is taken to a country where this practise is legal.
If convicted, the perpetrator can face up to 14 years in prison.
DS Bluck continued: “The message is absolutely clear: FGM is against the law. Do not subject your child to this crime and do not allow anyone else to carry out this act.
“This applies both inside and outside of the UK. Any evidence we receive about individuals abusing children in this manner will be subject to robust police action.”
Anyone wishing to report any concerns about FGM in South Yorkshire should contact 101.
For further information, advice and support, call the NSPCC FGM Helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk. Alternatively, contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk, or visit the Daughters of Eve website: www.dofeve.org
Below are some of the possible signs that a girl may be at risk of FGM:
• Trips abroad for a prolonged period, or during school holidays, to countries where this practice is known to be carried out (even if it is illegal in that country)
• Mothers, aunts, grandmas or older female siblings have undergone this procedure already
• The girl is a member of a family or community whose country of origin practised FGM
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