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Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Awareness: Safeguarding Against Harm in Schools

This training module provides an in-depth understanding of FGM, including types, reasons for practice, health implications, legal aspects, and mandatory reporting duties. Learn how to identify and support at-risk individuals, communicate sensitively, and collaborate with the National FGM Centre for guidance. Contact our Safeguarding Managers for further assistance.

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Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Awareness: Safeguarding Against Harm in Schools

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  1. Level 2 Safeguarding Training for Schools Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Awareness Jo Barclay, Safeguarding Manager for Schools and Early Years September 2019

  2. What is FGM? The World Health Organisation definition of FGM: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) comprises 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.

  3. Types of FGM

  4. Why is FGM practised? • Preservation of the girl’s virginity • Protection of family honour • Rite of passage into womanhood • Marriage • Perceived health benefits • Cleanliness • Perceived religious justifications. There are no religions that advocate for FGM. • Safeguarding

  5. Health ImplicationsThere are NO health benefits of FGM Physical • Death • Severe pain and shock • Broken limbs from being held down • Injury to adjacent tissues • Urine retention • Increased risk of HIV and AIDS • Uterus, vaginal and pelvic infections • Infertility Psychological • Depression • Post-natal depression • Psychosexual problems • Sexual dysfunction • PTSD • Trauma and flashbacks • Anxiety • Claustrophobia

  6. The Law and FGM FGM Act, 2003 • Illegal to perform in the UK • Illegal to perform outside the UK • Illegal to organise FGM (including to buy plane tickets • 14 years imprisonment Serious Crime Act, 2015 • Mandatory reporting • FGM Protection Orders • Parental liability • Anonymity for survivors

  7. Mandatory Reporting Duty A personal duty for social workers, teachers and health professionals to report to the police on 101 in known cases of FGM in under 18s: Verbal disclosure Visual identification All other non-regulated professionals to follow normal safeguarding procedures

  8. Case study A pupil in your class has told a peer that she is excited to be going away to her ‘mum’s country’ for a holiday and that she has been told she will be meeting lots of family and getting lots of presents. You have a conversation with the girl, and she confirms the holiday, and says it’s for 4 weeks. She also mentions that her ‘mum’s country’ is Pakistan. She says she has never been before, but that her mum has told her ‘now is an important time’ • Does this warrant a referral to social care? • What next steps should you take?

  9. Talking to parents or carers: • Always use a female worker where possible • Research where the family is from, looking at ethnic groups and prevalence before your visit • Use simple language and ask straightforward questions – be curious • Use the term the family is familiar with for FGM (can be found on world map) • Always use a qualified trained female interpreter who speaks the same dialect

  10. Working in Partnership with the National FGM Centre • Provide advice and consultation • Support for teachers on speaking to parents • Advice on the risk indicators of potential FGM • Support for families • Support for schools around awareness/training School Guidance (National FGM Centre, 2019) For further advice and guidance on FGM, you can contact the Essex Children & Families Hub and ask to speak with the FGM Adviser

  11. Safeguarding Manager for Schools and Early Years: jo.barclay@essex.gov.uk 033301 31078 Safeguarding Adviser for Schools and Early Years: matthew.lewis@essex.gov.uk 033301 31072

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