Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a collective term for procedures which include the partial or total removal of the external female genital organs, or injury to the female genital organs, for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons. It’s also known as ‘female circumcision’ or ‘cutting’ but has many other names.

 

Signs to look out for:

  • A relative or someone known as a ‘cutter’ visiting from abroad.
  • The family are making plans to go on holiday during the summer/have requested extended leave from school.
  • The child talks about a forthcoming special celebration.
  • The child / woman may have difficulty walking or sitting.
  • A female relative e.g., a mother or sister, has had FGM.

Learn more about signs FGM might happen, or it might have taken place, on the NSPCC website.

How to report FGM

If you’re worried a child is at risk of, or has already had FGM, call NSPCC’s dedicated FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgm.help@nspcc.org.uk.

Child Protection and FGM assessment and referral information is also available on the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust website.

NSPCC

  • 0800 028 3550
  • Email: fgm.help@nspcc.org.uk (public and professionals)

DORCAS

FORWARD (Foundation for Women’s Health, Research and Development)

Halo Project

  • 01642 683 045

Karma Nirvana

  • 0800 5999 247

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid

  • 0808 800 0028
  • Text Service: 18001 0808 800 0028 (for deaf people/people with a hearing impairment)

Muslim Women’s Network UK

  • Face to face counselling services available to Birmingham based clients only.
  • 0800 999 5786 or 0303 999 5786

Summerfield Health Centre, 134 Heath St, Birmingham B18 7AL

 

City Hospital Maternity Department, Dudley Road, Birmingham, B18 7QH

  • For pregnant women
  • 07989 209 483
  • Open every Thursday

 

University Hospitals Birmingham Well Women’s Clinic, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Bordesley Green East, Birmingham, B9 5SS

  • 07817 534 274 or 0121 424 3909
  • Open most days

 

Visit the NHS National FGM Support Clinics webpage.

 

‘Bring FGM out of the shadows’ campaign posters

A set of campaign posters with information on FGM and how to report it. These posters are free to download and use.

Download the posters

'Bring FGM out of the shadows' campaign videos

Bring FGM out of the shadows
Interview with a FGM survivor