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Professional resources

Professional resources related to female genital mutilation

Guidance and resources to support nurses, midwives, nursing associates and related health care professionals.

The RCN has published guidance and pathways to support different aspects around FGM.

FGM legislation

England, Wales and Northern Ireland

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, FGM is illegal under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 and in Scotland it is illegal under the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005. The legislation in England and Wales was strengthened by the Serious Crime Act (2015) to better support those at risk. See also:  An RCN resource for nursing and midwifery practice
Female Genital Mutilation.

Through the Serious Crime Act 2015 as well as the Mandatory Duty to Report to the police in England and Wales, there are other important additions to strengthen the protection of those at risk of FGM, including Female Genital Mutilation Protection Order (FGMPO), Offence of failing to protect a girl from risk of FGM, and Anonymity of victims of FGM.

Scotland

The Scottish Government has the following information on FGM:

The Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Bill is also in progress (2020), see: New law to prevent female genital mutilation.

Guidance

Further resources

FGM Call to action

(PDF)

FGM films

NHS England has released six scenario-based animations which help explore how and when questions would and would not be asked about FGM in community health care settings, as a girl grows up. View the animations.

Watch four films developed by the Royal College of Midwives in collaboration with a range of Royal Colleges and survivors:

See more FGM related videos: #EndFGM

Cervical smear and FGM animation

An animation for health professionals working with survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (NHS).

Female Genital Mutilation: What it is and how to get help (PDF)

NHS London Safeguarding Team and the Royal College of GPs worked in collaboration with Building Bridges and Mojatu Foundation to co-produce an FGM easy read. The aim of the easy read is to provide professionals working with someone with a learning disability with a tool to explain FGM. 

FGM Campaign groups

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Page last updated - 21/08/2023

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