Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It's also known as female circumcision or cutting.Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It's also known as female circumcision or cutting.
FGM is often performed by someone with no medical training who uses instruments such as a knife, scalpel, scissors, glass or razor blade. Children are rarely given anaesthetic or antiseptic treatment and are often forcibly restrained.It is believed that the majority of cases happen between the ages 5-8.
FGM has been a criminal offence since 1985. In 2003 it became a criminal offence for anyone in the UK to take their child abroad to have FGM. It is also a legal offence to not report FGM to the police if you know an FGM procedure has been carried out.
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