FGM is defined by the World Health Organisation as "all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons". There is no cultural or religious justification for FGM and it has been illegal in this country since 1985. If it is performed on a British citizen in the UK or overseas it is a crime.
What are the consequences of FGM?
It can leave women and girls traumatised as well as in severe pain, cause difficulties in child birth, and in some rare cases it can lead to death. Current prevalence studies estimate that as many as 60,000 women and girls in the UK could be at risk of FGM, and over 125,000 may already be living with the consequences (Equality Now and City University July 2014). Councils have a statutory duty to safeguard children and protect and promote the welfare of all women and girls, and are committed to working with partners to support the long term abandonment of the practice.
What are we doing to help combat FGM?
The LGA and Barnardo's have secured £2 million in government funding to set up a scheme aimed at keeping women and girls across the country safe from the devastating effects of female genital mutilation and ending new FGM cases by 2030. The scheme will create a highly specialised team of skilled social workers with extensive experience of working with those at risk of FGM to be available in areas where women and girls are vulnerable. Community outreach programmes will be rolled out across the country to shift attitudes and behaviour towards better prevention of FGM and provide psychological support for survivors.
About this resource
This resource aims to help councils raise awareness of Female Genital Mutilation within their own organisation, with their local partners and their communities. The LGA has created this resource to support councils and councillors to tackle FGM within their areas. It is intended that this resource pack will grow as further information becomes available.
FGM guide for councils
This guide provides councillors with an introduction to FGM, background on the national policy context of what is being done to reduce FGM and explains how councils can contribute to its reduction.
Case studies
Many councils around the country are already working to tackle FGM. These case studies provide a snapshot of the work being undertaken in a selection of local authorities working towards this aim.
Briefings, responses and articles
We have been lobbying Government for further amendments to the Serious Crime Bill, to help councils and their partners tackle FGM. In particular we have been lobbying for an amendment to make it an offence to encourage and promote the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This would make it easier to bring cases against people who advocate it, whether they reside in or are visiting the UK. Introducing this offence would help bring about the long term change in practice and custom that is needed to tackle FGM in the communities where it happens.
Press releases
LGA press releases on FGM and the fight to end it.
Additional resources and documents
There are many organisations working on FGM, supporting survivors and educating communities. This is not an exhaustive list of all the organisations working to end FGM.
Community engagement on female genital mutilation: Case studies
LGA briefing: House of Lords debate on prosecutions for FGM
9 June 2016
Domestic violence
National FGM Centre website