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FGM

Date published: 22 March 2023 11:05

What is FGM?

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed, but where there's no medical reason for this to be done.

It's also known as "female circumcision" or "cutting", and by other terms such as sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez and khitan, among others.

FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15, most commonly before puberty starts. It is illegal in the UK and is child abuse.

It's very painful and can seriously harm the health of women and girls. It can also cause long-term problems with sex, childbirth and mental health.

Help and support is available if you've had FGM or you're worried that someone may be at risk. Click here to find out more via the NHS website or visit Ashiana's website.

We are here to STOP female genital mutilation

If you are worried that you or someone you know may be at risk of FGM, you can speak in confidence to any healthcare professional such as GP, Health Visitor or Midwife.

For advice and support, contact Ashiana on 0114 255 5740

To report crime, call South Yorkshire Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.