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DurhamSafeguarding Children Partnership Procedures Manual

Honour Based Abuse, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation

AMENDMENT

This chapter was amended in May 2023 to reflect that the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 raised the age of marriage and civil partnership to 18 in England and Wales, with effect from 26 February 2023.

Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Roles and Responsibilities
  3. Role of All Staff
  4. Recording, Monitoring and Review
  5. Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage
    1. Definition, Terms and Legislation
    2. Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage Multi-Agency Guidance
  6. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
    1. Definition, Terms and Legislation
    2. Mandatory Duty to Report FGM
    3. Female Genital Mutilation Multi-Agency Practice Guidance
    4. Female Genital Mutilation Awareness-Raising and Preventative Strategies
  7. Appendix A: Process Flowchart
  8. Further Information

1. Introduction

This is the joint Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership (DSCP), Durham Safeguarding Adults Board and Safe Durham Partnership (SDP) multi-agency guidance in relation to Honour Based Abuse (HBA), Forced Marriage (FM) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

2. Roles and Responsibilities

Partner agencies of Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership (DSCP), Durham Safeguarding Adults Board and Safe Durham Partnership (SDP) will ensure that staff have sufficient information and awareness to:

  • Recognise instances of Honour Based Abuse, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation;
  • Carry out risk assessments in relation to all potential victims;
  • Understand the FGM mandatory reporting requirements for under 18's;
  • Contribute where appropriate to investigations with a view to bringing the offenders to justice;
  • Assist in the provision of support for victims and potential victims.

3. Role of All Staff

The reporting of HBV/FM and FGM is a brave step and an inappropriate response could put victims at further risk. Victims often have no experience of the statutory bodies such as the police and by simply getting into contact could be deemed to have brought further shame on the household. Third party reporting without knowledge or consent of the victim is becoming more commonplace and this may not occur in the usual route of telephone contact. All staff contacted by third parties who express concern re HBV/FM or FGM issues should refer as a matter of urgency to the identified lead in each organisation.

Each agency will have an identified lead that has responsibility for providing advice and the co-ordination of the HBV/FM and FGM guidance and policy within their organisation.

It is important for all staff to appreciate the difficult and unique position of victims and potential victims of HBV/FM and FGM regarding their relationship with the offenders/suspects. Many victims do not wish to criminalise their parents, families or cultures and in doing so become isolated; and may not have considered what would be expected of them once they have made contact with an agency. Nevertheless, they still face the possibility of serious violence which often presents a threat to life; and all agencies are under a duty to protect the victim or potential victim.

Under no circumstances should a victim or potential victim ever be turned away and told that there is nothing anyone can do. Staff need to be aware of the 'one chance' rule. That is, they may only have one chance to speak to a potential victim, therefore one chance to save a life.

Agencies engaged in this sensitive area of work are saving lives, protecting vulnerable people and improving community trust and confidence in agencies.

All staff have a duty to take all reasonable steps to:

  • Understand the meaning of Honour Based Abuse, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation;
  • Protect victims and potential victims of HBV/FM or FGM;
  • Complete all of the relevant documentation to facilitate risk assessments in relation to victims;
  • Fully record information in line with agency procedures;
  • Ensure that records are kept secure to prevent unauthorised access that may result in confidential information being passed on the victim's family. Records should only be available to those dealing directly with the case.

The mandatory duty to report female genital mutilation in girls aged under 18 is a personal one, all professionals should have an understanding of when and how to report FGM in these circumstances

All agencies should ensure their organisation has:

  • A lead person for HBV/FM and FGM (this should be the same person who has overall responsibility for safeguarding children, protecting vulnerable adults or victims of domestic abuse);
  • Policies and procedures in place that form part of child protection / adult protection strategies;
  • A named person whose responsibility it is to ensure that cases of Forced Marriage are handled, monitored and recorded properly;
  • Arrangements in place to ensure that staff have access to and are aware of the multi-agency practice guidelines available on both handling cases of Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation produced by HM Government.

4. Recording, Monitoring and Review

Reported incidents of HBV, FGM and FM should always be recorded using individual agency procedures and be in line with the relevant safeguarding policies and procedures. All decisions and actions should be recorded.

Individual agencies should regularly monitor compliance of their staff with this guidance and notify the Safe Durham Partnership / Durham SAB / Durham SCP of any issues arising. The Safe Durham Partnership / Durham SAB / Durham SCP holds overall responsibility for the review and monitoring of this guidance.

5. Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage

See also the Multi-agency Practice Guidelines on Forced Marriage Chart of Potential Warning Signs or Indicators.

5.1 Definition, Terms and Legislation

The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) (formerly ACPO) definition of Honour Based Abuse is:

'An incident or crime involving violence, threats of violence, intimidation, coercion or abuse (including psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse), which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of an individual, family and or community for alleged or perceived breaches of the family and / or community’s code of behaviour'.

HBV is a fundamental abuse of Human Rights. It is a collection of practices, which are used to control behaviour within families to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs and/or honour. Such violence can occur when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed the family and / or community by breaking their honour code.

Women are predominantly (but not exclusively) the victims of HBV, as violence may also be visited upon, for example, the male sexual partner of a woman who is perceived as having brought dishonour to the family/community, or a person perceived to have connived at or assisted such a relationship.

Honour Based Abuse can be distinguished from other forms of violence, as it is often committed with some degree of approval and / or collusion from family and / or community members.

A Forced Marriage is defined as:

'a marriage conducted without the valid consent of one or both parties, where duress is a factor. Duress includes emotional pressure as well as criminal actions such as assault and abduction.'

It is distinct from an arranged marriage which is defined as:

'A marriage where the families of both spouses arrange the marriage but the choice to accept remains with the individuals. They give their full and free consent.'

The majority of cases of forced marriages in the UK involve South Asian families but there are also cases involving families from the Far East, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and also Gypsy Roma Travellers. The issue of forced marriages should not be used to stigmatise any community. Some forced marriages take place in the UK with no overseas element whilst others involve a partner coming from overseas or a British citizen being sent abroad. Most cases involve young women and girls aged between 13 and 30 years, although there is evidence to suggest that as many as 15% of victims are male.

Forced Marriage is a Human Rights abuse. It can constitute both child abuse and sexual abuse. The United Nations considers it a form of trafficking, sexual slavery, and exploitation. Some, however, still see it as a private, personal, domestic, family, religious, or cultural issue. It is none of these it is an example of abuse.

HBV, like Domestic Abuse, is not a specific statutory offence. The term is used to describe a range of criminal offences including murder, un-explained death (suicide), rape, removal from education, kidnapping, false imprisonment, threats to kill, assault, harassment, forced abortion and others. It may be classed as Domestic Abuse or child abuse. This list is not exhaustive.

HBV and FM can and does affect both genders. It is also important to be aware that both practices are not linked to religion, but are a result of cultural influence.

The legal basis for this guidance is the Human Rights Act 1984 and the common law duty to protect life.

The legitimate aim of this guidance is to identify when a serious risk to life exists, but taking into account Article 2 the right to a private life and Article 8 the right to respect for private and family life.

These issues are legislated under the following:

  • Forced Marriage Civil Protection Act 2007;
  • Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

There are also Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines published by HM Government available.

The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 raised the age of marriage and civil partnership to 18 in England and Wales with effect from 26 February 2023.

This means that 16 to 17-year-olds will no longer be able to marry or enter a civil partnership under any circumstances, including with parental or judicial consent from 26 February 2023. It will not be possible for anyone under 18 to marry or enter a civil partnership after this date.

Previously, forced marriage was only an offence if the person used a type of coercion, for example threats, to cause someone to marry, or if the person lacked capacity to consent to marry under the Mental Capacity Act. The Act therefore also expands the criminal offence of forced marriage in England and Wales to make it an offence in all circumstances to do anything intended to cause a child to marry before they turn 18. It is therefore now an offence to cause a child under the age of 18 to enter a marriage in any circumstances, without the need to prove that a form of coercion was used. The forced marriage offence will continue to include ceremonies of marriage which are not legally binding, for example in community or traditional settings.

5.2 Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage Multi-Agency Guidance

If a child is at risk of harm contact First Contact on: 03000 267979
If an adult is at risk of harm contact Social Care Direct on: 03000 267979.
Contact Durham Constabulary Safeguarding Unit on 101
In an emergency always dial 999.

In many cases the individual will be westernised and pressure will be brought to bear by refusing to allow them out of the home unless chaperoned, withdrawal or threat of withdrawal from education and the barring of contact with friends. In some cases the individual is taken to the country of their extended family where their ability to resist the marriage is unlikely.

Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage cuts across all cultures and communities: Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian, Turkish, Kurdish, Afghani, African, Middle Eastern, South and Eastern European for example. It is also an issue that affects Gypsy Roma Travellers. (This is not an exhaustive list).

HBV/FM may be committed by male and female offenders.

Honour Based Abuse may be committed not only against the persons directly involved in the behaviour which is perceived as dishonourable, but also against persons believed to have assisted or conspired in the behaviour. Agencies should therefore always consider the risk of harm to the victim, the victim's partner, their children, siblings, and associates.

Perpetrators of HBV may commit serious offences including murder upon closest relatives and/or others to achieve a number of purposes including forced marriage to:

  • Protect the family 'honour' or Izzat;
  • Respond to family, community or peer group pressure;
  • Protect the perceived cultural and/or religious ideals;
  • Controlling disapproved sexual behaviour or orientation (including perceived promiscuity or being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender);
  • Punishing perceived immoral behaviour including:
    • Pre-marital or extra-marital sexual relations;
    • Separating or divorcing;
    • Starting a new relationship boyfriend / girlfriend;
    • Coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT);
    • Renouncing a faith;
    • Expressions of autonomy;
    • Become pregnant or give birth outside of marriage;
    • Have interfaith relationships or marry outside a specified religion;
    • Loss of virginity;
    • Reporting domestic abuse or rape (being raped may be deemed a bring disgrace to the family);
    • Rejection of FGM;
    • Becoming Westernised;
    • Marrying a person of your own choice;
    • Access higher education without approval of your family etc.;
    • Kissing or showing other forms of intimacy in public;
    • Rejecting a forced marriage;
    • Inappropriate make-up or dress;
    • Possession and / or use of a mobile telephone;
    • Truanting from school or being removed from school.

The above list is not exhaustive.

When dealing with HBV/FM related incidents and crime including major crime, or missing person enquiries where HBV may be an issue partner agencies should be aware that family members and/or individuals from within the community concerned may support the primary offender(s), by seeking to mislead, obstruct or undermine any inquiries and/or police investigation.

Staff must be aware that an incident of domestic abuse does not become HBV simply because the parties involved are of BME origin. HBV occurs where violence is committed as a result of a perception that the victim has brought shame or dishonour upon the family or community.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is an extremely important issue for any individual, child or adult, threatened with, or already in, a forced marriage.

Careful consideration must be given in relation to what information is shared and to whom. This applies to practitioners as well as members of the family or the community. If a child or vulnerable person is in a place of safety any disclosure, which could lead to them being traced, could put him/her at considerable risk of harm from family or others. The best interests of the individuals must be the paramount consideration.

When dealing with cases of Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage there are often complex and sensitive issues that should be handled by child and adult protection specialists with expertise in HBV and FM issues. Although frontline staff should contact their safeguarding lead as soon as possible, they may initially need to gather some information to gather the facts to assist with the referral.

When dealing with potential victims it is important to recognise the seriousness / immediacy of the risk. The member of staff will:

  • See the victim immediately in a private room or space to enable them to speak in confidence in a safe environment where they cannot be overheard;
  • See them on their own;
  • Explain all of the options available to them;
  • Obtain full details including a family tree;
  • If the victim is a child or young person under 18 activate the child protection procedures immediately;
  • If the victim is a vulnerable adult activate the Safeguarding Adults Procedures immediately by contacting Social Care Direct;
  • If the victim is an adult, complete a MARAC Risk assessment Form and Risk Assessment for HBV/FM explain the reasons why and fax to the MARAC Co-ordinator;
  • Consider the use of a Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO);
  • When asking questions within the assessment be clear and fully explain what the questions mean and why they are being asked;
  • Take into consideration the victim's perception of risk and obtain details of all persons who they are afraid might harm them;
  • Recognise and respect the wishes of the victim;
  • Explain the issues relating to confidentiality and who information will be shared with, reassuring them that this will not extend to their family;
  • Establish a way of contacting them discreetly in the future;
  • Consider the need for immediate protection and placement away from the family;
  • Contact the trained specialist/safeguarding lead within the organisation as soon as possible;
  • Think Digital and the digital footprint and tracking options via social media and other apps which may expose the victim to additional risks.

The vulnerability of victims cannot be overstated. This could be further compounded by issues such as traditional gender roles, literacy, language and /or immigration status.

Always seek specialist advice if an interpreter is needed given the potential risks to confidentiality

The member of staff will not:

  • Send them away believing that is not a matter for them to deal with;
  • Approach members of their family;
  • Attempt to be a mediator;
  • Share information without their consent, explaining the circumstances when information must be shared with other agencies even without consent in order to protect the individual.
Further Child Protection Considerations

All referrals about possible / actual forced marriage to those under the age of 18 are to be dealt with under child protection procedures.

Forced marriage may place children and young people at considerable risk of Honour Based Abuse, rape, physical and emotional harm. Due to the complex and sensitive issues involved in relation to forced marriage, the extended family is not usually an option for placement and it may be that a placement needs to be outside of the Local Authority area, in order to protect the child / young person.

The child / young person is/are to be fully involved in safety planning.

Where decisions are to be made in relation to legal proceedings or legal advice is required, a legal representative from the Local Authority should attend the child protection strategy meeting.

6. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

6.1 Definition, Terms and Legislation

Female Genital Mutilation is often referred to as 'female circumcision' or 'cutting'. The definition adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) is:

"all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural, religious or other non-therapeutic reasons."

In England and Wales, criminal and civil legislation on FGM is contained in the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 ('the 2003 Act').

The act:

  1. Makes it illegal to practice FGM in the UK;
  2. Makes it illegal to take girls who are British nationals or permanent residents of the UK abroad for FGM whether or not it is lawful in that country;
  3. Makes it illegal to aid, abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM abroad;
  4. Has a penalty of up to 14 years in prison and, or, a fine.

As amended by the Serious Crime Act 2015, the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 now includes:

  1. An offence of failing to protect a girl from FGM with a penalty of up to 7 years in prison or a fine or both. A person is liable if they are 'responsible' for a girl at the time when an offence is committed. This will cover someone who has Parental Responsibility for the girl and has 'frequent contact' with her and any adult who has assumed responsibility for caring for the girl in the manner of a parent. This could be for example family members, with whom she was staying during the school holidays;
  2. Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders ('FGMPO') - breaching an order carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. The terms of the order can be flexible and the court can include whatever terms it considers necessary and appropriate to protect the girl or woman;
  3. Allowing for the lifelong anonymity of victims of FGM prohibiting the publication of any information that could lead to the identification of the victim. Publication covers all aspects of media including social media;
  4. Extended the extra-territorial reach of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) offences to include 'habitual residents' of the UK;
  5. Created a duty of Mandatory Reporting of Female Genital Mutilation for regulated professionals in health and social care professionals and teachers in England and Wales which came into force on the 31st October 2015.

The age at which girls undergo FGM varies enormously according to the community. The procedure may be carried out when the girl is newborn, during childhood or adolescence, just before marriage or during the first pregnancy. However the majority of cases of FGM are thought to take place between the ages of 5 and 8, therefore girls within that age bracket are at a higher risk.

Working Together to Safeguard Children highlights that a Local Authority may exercise its powers under s47 of the Children Act 1989 if it has reason to believe that a girl is likely to be or has been the subject of FGM.

It is important to note that FGM differs from other forms of child abuse in two important ways:

  • Despite the severe consequences, parents and others who have done this to their daughters genuinely believe it is in the girl's best interest to conform with their prevailing custom and they consider FGM as normal, to protect their cultural identity they do not intend it as an act of abuse;
  • There is no element of repetition it is a one-off act of abuse although younger female siblings may be at risk.

FGM is much more common than most people realise. It is estimated that there are around 74,000 women in the UK who have undergone the procedure and that over 20,000 girls under the age of 15 are at high risk of FGM. This estimate is based on the number of women and girls living in the UK who originate from countries where FGM is traditionally practised, such as Yemen, Oman, Malaysia, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates as well as 28 countries in Africa from Gambia to Somalia.

London has by far the high prevalence rate at 21.0 per 1,000 population. Highest rates were in London boroughs and Manchester, Slough, Bristol, Leicester and Birmingham had high prevalence rates. In contrast, many mainly rural areas had prevalences well below one per 1,000, but above zero.

This highlights that there are likely to be affected women and girls living in every local authority area in England and Wales.

It is not possible to quantify the prevalence of FGM among girls born in England and Wales to mothers from practising FGM countries or assess the numbers of girls at risk on a population level. (Equality Now, 2015)

It is important to be aware that the practice is not linked to religion, but is a result of cultural influence.

The legal basis for this guidance is the Human Rights Act 1984 and the common law duty to protect life.

The legitimate aim of this guidance is to identify when a serious risk to life exists, but taking into account Article 2 'The right to a private life and Article 8 the right to respect for private and family life'.

The issue is legislated under the following:

Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 as amended by the Serious Crime Act 2015.

There are also Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines published by HM Government available:

Multi-agency statutory guidance on female genital mutilation (2016).

6.2 Mandatory Duty to Report FGM

The FGM mandatory reporting duty is a legal duty provided for in the FGM Act 2003 (as amended by the Serious Crime Act 2015). The legislation requires regulated health and social care professionals and teachers in England and Wales to make a report to the police where, in the course of their professional duties, they either:

  • Are informed by a girl under 18 that an act of FGM has been carried out on her; or
  • Observe physical signs which appear to show that an act of FGM has been carried out on a girl under 18 and they have no reason to believe that the act was necessary for the girls physical or mental health or for purposes connected with labour or birth.

For the purposes of the duty, the relevant age is the girl's age at the time of the disclosure / identification of FGM.

Complying with the duty does not breach any confidentiality requirement of other restriction on disclosure which might otherwise apply.

The duty is a personal duty which requires the individual professional who becomes aware of the case to make a report; the responsibility cannot be transferred. The only exception to this is if you know that another individual from your profession has already made a report; there is no requirement for you to make a second.

Where there is a risk to life or likelihood of serious immediate harm, professionals should report the case immediately to police, including dialling 999 if appropriate.

To get a clearer picture of the extent of FGM in the UK, all acute hospitals must now report about the prevalence of FGM each month, and the Home Office has part-funded a prevalence study to provide local areas with vital information needed to prioritise FGM. The first few months of recording these incidents has given strong indication of the scale of the issue (500 new cases per month have been recorded nationally).

The Home Office document 'Mandatory reporting of female genital mutilation procedural information' provides further information.

6.3 Female Genital Mutilation Multi-Agency Practice Guidance

If a child is at risk of harm contact First Contact on: 03000 267979
If an adult is at risk of harm contact Social Care Direct on: 03000 267979.
Contact Durham Constabulary Safeguarding Unit on 101
In an emergency always dial 999.

FGM is abuse. The procedure is usually carried out on children however adults who have had the procedure performed on them may suffer severe psychological consequences of FGM and require mental health support to address this harm.

The following principles should be adopted by all agencies when identifying and responding to girls (and unborn girls) at risk of, or who have experienced FGM:

  • The safety and wellbeing of the child is paramount;
  • If the victim (or person at risk) is a child or young person under 18 activate the child protection procedures immediately;
  • All agencies should act in the interests of the child as outlined in the United Nations Convention (1989);
  • FGM is not a matter that can be left to be decided by personal preference it is an extremely harmful practice. Professionals should not let fears of being branded 'racist' or 'discriminatory' weaken the protection required by vulnerable girls;
  • All decisions or plans should be based on good quality assessments and be sensitive to the issues of race, culture, gender, religion and sexuality subject to the caveat that FGM is illegal in the United Kingdom.

Research into practicing African communities indicates that women who have undergone FGM have the same levels of post-traumatic stress (PTSD) as adults who have been subjected to early childhood abuse, and that the majority of women (80%) suffer from affective mood or anxiety disorder.

When dealing with cases of FGM, there are often complex and sensitive issues that should be handled by child and adult protection specialists with expertise in the issue.

Frontline staff should contact their safeguarding lead as soon as possible and when dealing with potential victims it is important to recognise the seriousness/immediacy of the risk.

A woman over the age of 18 is an adult and, therefore, is protected by confidentiality and their wishes should be respected if they do not wish to report that they have been subjected to FGM.

If a woman has been subjected to FGM in the past there is a specific risk to her female children. A girl who comes from a family where a woman has been subjected to FGM is at a greater risk of being subjected to it herself and referrals into First Contact should be made.

There can be specific factors that may heighten a girl's risk of being affected by FGM:

  • The position of the family and the level of integration within UK society it is believed that communities less integrated into British society are more likely to carry out FGM;
  • Any girl born to a woman who has been subjected to FGM must be considered to be at risk, as would other female children in the extended family;
  • Any girl who has a sister who has already undergone FGM must be considered to be at risk, as would other female children in the extended family;
  • Any girl who has been withdrawn from Personal, Social and Health Education or Personal and Social Education may be at risk as a result of her parents wishing to keep her uninformed about her body and rights.

It should be noted that FGM is not a religious requirement or obligation. It is a harmful practice that is against the law.

To safeguard children it may be necessary to give information to people working in other agencies or departments. Both law and policy allows for disclosure, where the information is needed in order to protect a child. Referrals to other professionals or agencies should be undertaken using existing and agreed child protection procedures.

There may be times when a child wants to take a course of action that may put them at risk. However, FGM is a criminal offence in the UK and must not be permitted or condoned. On these occasions professionals should explain all the outcomes and risks to the child and take the necessary child protection precautions.

Child protection investigations should be coordinated under existing Section 47 child protection procedures. The strategy meeting must establish whether the parents or girl has had access to information about the harmful aspects of FGM and the law in the UK. If not, they should be given appropriate information.

Every attempt should be made to work with the parents on a voluntary basis to prevent the abuse. It is the duty of the investigating team to look at every possible way that parental cooperation can be achieved.

A Female Genital Mutilation Prevention Order may be considered. However, any agreement reached must be carefully monitored and enforced with the child's interests always paramount. The first priority is the protection of the child. Here, the primary focus is to prevent the child undergoing any form of FGM.

If the girl is in immediate danger of FGM and/or professionals consider that her parents will proceed with the procedure, then an Emergency Protection Order can be used.

Guidance when a girl has already undergone FGM

A Strategy Meeting should consider how, where and when the procedure was performed and the implications of this and to assess the need for support services.

If there is evidence of any criminal act having taken place (for example the FGM took place in the UK or was performed or was assisted by a British resident overseas), legal advice must be sought and a criminal investigation conducted.

6.4 Female Genital Mutilation Awareness-Raising and Preventative Strategies

Unlike Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage, the Safe Durham Partnership, Durham SAB and Durham SCP believe there is the potential that agencies can identify the risk of FGM that allows for awareness-raising preventative measures to be formulated and implemented. For example; parents and families moving to the UK may not be aware that the practice is harmful or illegal. In this instance community education to raise the awareness of FGM could prevent any planned activity.

As County Durham is a mainly rural area, parents and families from cultural communities who practice FGM in their country of origin may be low in number and isolated from the local community due to language barriers etc.

Girls of school age, who are subjected to FGM overseas, are thought to be taken abroad at the start of the school holidays in order for there to be sufficient time for the child to recover from the procedure before returning to her studies. There is the opportunity to raise awareness of FGM in the run up to school holiday periods in both school across the county and services who deliver into schools.

The engagement and support of local community groups, elders, religious leaders and key figures in the community is extremely important. With their support an awareness raising and education programme has more chance to positively safeguard children from FGM.

Any community education should be sensitive to the cultural norms and pressures on parents and children.

Organisations who can provide more information about community education programmes include:

Appendix A: Process Flowchart

Click here to view Appendix A: Process Flowchart.


Further Information

Children from Abroad, including Victims of Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Exploitation Procedure

Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse Screening Toolkit

Multi-Agency practice guidelines: Handling cases of forced marriage 2014 - Step-by-step advice for frontline workers. Essential reading for health professionals, educational staff, police, children's social care, adult social services and local authority housing.

Forced Marriage Unit (GOV.UK) - Contact the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) if you're trying to stop a forced marriage or you need help leaving a marriage you've been forced into.

Forced marriage (Children's Legal Centre)

Home Office Information and practice guidelines for professionals protecting, advising and supporting victims. This includes Multi-Agency Statutory Guidance for dealing with forced marriage.

Apply for a forced marriage protection order

Protocol on the handling of 'so-called' Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage Offences between the National Police Chiefs' Council and the Crown Prosecution Service

Ending Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy: 2016 to 2020

SafeLives Dash risk checklist for the identification of high risk cases of domestic abuse, stalking and 'honour'-based violence

DoH page on 'Safeguarding Women and Girls at Risk of FGM' - includes links to the guidance plus additional resources including a safeguarding pathway and risk assessment tools.

FGM Assessment Tool (National FGM Centre) which provides best practice guidance and an online tool to help guide the assessment of cases where FGM is a concern.