puricarexfiles: FGM is against the law in the UK and causes serious and long lasting physical and emotional harm to the children it is inflicted upon. FGM has been illegal in the United Kingdom since 1985.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

FGM is against the law in the UK and causes serious and long lasting physical and emotional harm to the children it is inflicted upon. FGM has been illegal in the United Kingdom since 1985.

Female genital mutilation: Birmingham has highest number of UK cases

· BY ANUJI VARMA

Police say victims in city now more confident in reporting the horrific crime

Birmingham recorded 120 new cases of Female Genital Mutilation in just three months this year - the highest in England.

The city was also named the worst in the country last year after 435 victims were identified.

The new figures from April to June put Bristol as second worst, with 75 new incidents and Manchester with 65.

· What is FGM?

FGM has been illegal in the United Kingdom since 1985 and the law was strengthened in 2003 to prevent girls travelling from the UK and undergoing FGM abroad.

It became mandatory for all acute trusts to collect and submit to the FGM Enhanced Dataset from July 1 2015 and for all mental health trusts and GP practices, from October 1, 2015.

The NSPCC spokesman added: “It is really concerning that there are hundreds of newly recorded cases of women who have suffered FGM across Birmingham, especially when many of these have endured the procedure at such a young age.

Parents should be fully aware of the fact that FGM is against the law in the UK and causes serious and long lasting physical and emotional harm to the children it is inflicted upon.

West Midlands Police said the statistics show victims are becoming more confident in reporting FGM.

However, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children believe the rising number of cases in Birmingham is “deeply concerning”.

FGM has been illegal in the United Kingdom since 1985 and the law was strengthened in 2003 to prevent girls travelling from the UK and undergoing FGM abroad.

It became mandatory for all acute hospital trusts to collect and submit to the FGM Enhanced Dataset from July 1 2015 and for all mental health trusts and GP practices, from October 1, 2015.

·Female genital mutilation: Birmingham cases rocket by almost 30 per cent

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “These figures show that victims are becoming more confident in reporting FGM and talking about it.

“Although the statistics reflect victims who have reported FGM offences in Birmingham, it most likely means that the offence happened in their country of origin.

“We are leading the way in the use of new FGM Protection Orders to safeguard women and girls thought to be at risk.

“FGM is still seen as a taboo subject it is not a matter to be culturally sensitive or permissive about; it is an inhumane, harmful and illegal practice.

“We are working hard with partner agencies to stop this barbaric abuse and raise awareness amongst as many people as possible.”

An NSPCC spokesman added: “Not only is FGM extremely dangerous, it is a criminal offence.

“It is a form of abuse which causes appalling damage for its victims, so the rising number of cases in Birmingham is deeply concerning.

Brave victims of FGM now reporting two cases EVERY DAY

“Many of the victims will have been targeted at a young age, and no child should be forced into this painful and shocking practice.

“It is vital that communities, families and professionals report any concerns, to help eradicate this barbaric act that can have devastating consequences for victims.

“If anyone is worried if a child is at risk of, or has had FGM, call the NSPCC FGM helpline, free and in confidence, on 0800 028 3550.”

Ten places where highest number of new cases of FGM were recorded:

Birmingham 435

Bristol 385

Brent 325

Manchester 310

Southwark 290

Enfield 215

Ealing 175

Lambeth 175

Sheffield 165

Camden 140