Webinar Raising awareness of FGM in schools – identification and prevention Debs Ward

Webinar Raising awareness of FGM in schools – identification and prevention Debs Ward ----------------------------------------------

Today’s aims • What is FGM and why do DSPs need to be concerned? • Identification of risk factors and warning signs. • What to do if you have a concern. • Appropriate strategies to raise awareness amongst staff, parents and community. • How to talk to pupils about it.

What is FGM? Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a form of child abuse and violence against women. It includes procedures that intentionally alter or injure the female genital organs for non- medical reasons. It is the ‘deliberate mutilation of female genitalia’ Daughters of Eve http://www.dofeve.org/about-fgm.html

The four known types of FGM All of these have been found in the UK • Type 1 – clitoridectomy:partial or total removal of the clitoris. • Type 2 – excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora.

Types of FGM continued • Type 3 – infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the inner, or outer, labia, with or without, removal of the clitoris. • Type 4 – other:all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes e.g. Pricking, scraping, incising and/or cauterising the area. For more information on and illustration of types of FGM, see http://www.dofeve.org/types-of-fgm.html

Why should DSPs be concerned? The age at which girls and women undergo FGM varies BUT.... • The majority of cases of FGM are thought to take place between the ages of 5 and 8 years old (HM Government Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines: Female Genital Mutilation) That’s primary school age! • There is a growing movement globally to tackle FGM – more and more people are speaking out and protesting against this practise.

So why should DSPs be concerned? (1) • It is a form of child abuse! • It has been a criminal offence in the UK since 1985 • Under Section 47 of the 1989 Children Act anyone who has information that a child is potentially, or actually at risk of significant has a duty of care to report it to social care or the police. • The National Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines-Chapter Nine: specifically outlines guidance which should be adopted by Schools, Colleges and Universities in what to do regarding FGM.

So why should DSPs be concerned? (2) • The DfE document ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education: Statutory Guidance’ April 2014 makes direct reference to FGM. • Girls and young women are beginning to talk more about this and disclose information. • And finally Ofsted…

Why is FGM carried out? (1) It is believed that: • It bring status and respect to the girl and gives her social acceptance particularly for marriage. • It preserves a girl’s virginity • It is part of being a woman and a rite of passage. • It upholds family honour. • It cleanses and purifies the girl. • It gives the girl and her family a sense of belonging to the community. • It fulfils a religious requirement believed to exist. • It helps girls and women to be clean and hygienic.

Why is FGM carried out? (2) • In communities where all women have FGM it can be seen as normal. • Where FGM is practiced as part of their religion there can be huge pressures to make girls have it done. However FGM is not recommended by any religion or in any religious texts. It is not a condition of belonging to any faith group.

Who is at risk? • FGM is a global problem. • UK communities that are most at risk of FGM are: - Kenyan - Somali - Sudanese - Sierra Leoni - Egyptian - Nigerian - Non-African communities including Yemeni, Afghani, Kurdish, Indonesian and Pakistani. It is estimated that 23,000 girls are ‘cut’ each year in the UK (Daughters of Eve)

Which factors put a child at risk of FGM? (1) • The most significant risk factor for FGM is coming from a community that is known to practise it. • Girls are at risk if they have a mother, sister or member of the extended family who has been subjected to FGM. • A girl who is at imminent risk of being subjected to FGM may be taken back to her family's country of origin generally at the beginning of the long summer holiday.

Which factors put a child at risk of FGM? (2) • Another warning sign could be the arrival in the UK of an older female relative visiting from the country of origin who may perform FGM. • Teachers should also be aware of girls who ask to be excused from PE or swimming classes and who spend long periods of time in the bathroom.

Strategies for raising awareness amongst staff • Staff training is the key action in raising awareness. • Draw staff attention to the Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines on FGM published by HM Government. • Members of your staff should already be familiar with, and have read, and have a copy of the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2014 statutory safeguarding guidance.

Raising awareness amongstparents and the community Schools have a responsibility to work with communities to tackle this issue. • There are a range of campaign materials to help raise awareness available from the DfE – email FGMEnquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov • The 2014 summer campaign highlights the NSPCC’s FGM Helpline 0800 028 3550. • National FGM Resources. London Safeguarding Children Board resource pack 2009.

What should you do if you have a concern? (1) • FGM is a safeguarding issue and should be treated in the same way as any other form of abuse. • It is clearly a social service issue and a referral should be made to them. • The NSPCC have a dedicated helpline which you can ring on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk. • Your local Safeguarding Children’s Board will be able to give you advice and support about what to do with your concern.

What should you do if you have a concern? (2) • Take your concern seriously and act without delay. • Make careful and detailed notes in order to ensure you have a concise evidence trail. • Adopt the ‘one chance’ rule.

Talking to pupils • Use PSHE lessons to teach children about their rights as well as their responsibilities. • Educate children and young women about their bodies and how to keep themselves safe. • Be a listening establishment. • ‘Cut – some wounds never heal’: lesson plan and video www.gov.uk

And finally... The word is spreading and voices are being heard. • To mark International Day of the Girl (11 October 2014) the government has committed £330,000 of funding to help tackle female genital mutilation and forced marriage. • The funding will be used to extend a number of projects that provide expertise and support services in some of the most at risk areas of the country to help eradicate this cruel and unacceptable practice. • The government has already made a number of commitments to clamp down on these issues including more education and support in schools.

Relevant conferences 21st October, LondonUpdating PSHE and SRE in your school www.oeconferences.com/PSHEandSRE 26th February, LondonProtecting Children Update: New Guidance & Practical Strategies www.oeconferences.com/PCU15

Questions & Answers --------------------------------------------------

Webinar Raising awareness of FGM in schools – identification and prevention Debs Ward