What is the legislation for FGM?

Key legislation In England, Northern Ireland and Wales, the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 sets out the law surrounding FGM. In Scotland it is the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005.

What is the law on FGM in the UK?

FGM is illegal in the UK. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, civil and criminal legislation on FGM is contained in the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 (“the 2003 Act”). In Scotland, FGM legislation is contained in the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005.

Why is FGM illegal in UK?

FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15, most commonly before puberty starts. It’s 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.

When was FGM banned in the UK?

1985
FGM was outlawed in the UK by the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985, which made it an offence to perform FGM on children or adults.

How do you challenge FGM?

7 ways to end FGM

1. Challenge the discriminatory reasons FGM is practised.
2. Change traditions – with the support of older generations.
3. Educate girls on their right to decide what happens to their body.
4. Speak out about the risks and realities of FGM.
5. Spread understanding that religion does not demand FGM.

Who is responsible for FGM?

FGM is still carried out primarily by traditional excisers in most countries, but, for example, survey data suggest that girls in Egypt are three times more likely to undergo FGM at the hands of a health-care provider than did their mothers (25).

Is FGM a criminal offence?

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a criminal offence. It is a form of violence against women and girls, and in the latter case it is child abuse.

Is male circumcision legal UK?

It is generally held that male circumcision is legal in the UK provided that there is valid consent and that the procedure is performed by someone who is “competent”.

How often does FGM happen in the UK?

The prevalence rate (England and Wales) is estimated to be 4.8 per 1000 population. Whilst there are wide variations – London has the highest, but Manchester, Slough, Bristol, Leicester and Birmingham also have high rates – there are likely to be affected women and girls living in every local authority area [8].

What are the potential signs that female mutilation is about to take place?

Signs FGM might have taken place

• Having difficulty walking, standing or sitting.
• Spending longer in the bathroom or toilet.
• Appearing quiet, anxious or depressed.
• Acting differently after an absence from school or college.
• Reluctance to go to the doctors or have routine medical examinations.

What rights does FGM violate?

The practice also violates a person’s rights to health, security and physical integrity; the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment; and the right to life, in instances when the procedure results in death.

What is the UK law on FGM?

FGM is illegal in the UK. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, civil and criminal legislation on FGM is contained in the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 (the act). In Scotland, FGM legislation is contained in the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005.

When is FGM an offence under the 2003 Act?

If an offence under sections 1, 2 or 3 of the 2003 Act is committed against a girl under the age of 16, each person who is responsible for the girl at the time the FGM occurred could be guilty of an offence under section 3A of the 2003 Act. It is an offence for a UK national or UK resident (even in countries where FGM is not an offence) to:

Are there any changes to the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003?

No changes have been applied to the text. There are currently no known outstanding effects for the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date.

What is the statutory guidance for victims of FGM?

This guidance is intended to help to: further increase awareness of FGM and improve compliance with good practice afford victims and survivors of FGM the greatest possible protection The statutory guidance was published on 1 April 2016, with some minor updates made in 2018 and 2019.