Female Genital Mutilation and Breast Flattening

Female genital mutilation is a collective term used for procedures, such as female circumcision, which include the partial or total removal of the external female genital organs, or injury to the female genital organs for a cultural or non-therapeutic reason.

Over the last three decades, the prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has declined globally. But every year, over 2 million girls are still subjected to FGM before their fifth birthday. The UN aims to eliminate FGM by 2030.

Myth busting

FGM is not an issue for Girls and Women in the UK. MYTH
FGM is a religious tradition. MYTH
FGM has health benefits. MYTH
FGM is only performed in rural areas or by traditional cutters. MYTH
You can’t change a person’s perspective on FGM. MYTH
If a child tells me they are the survivor of FGM – it’s too late, there is nothing I can do. MYTH

The Facts

Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes procedures that intentionally alter or injure female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
The procedure has no health benefits for girls and women.
Procedures can cause severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later, potential childbirth complications and newborn deaths.
An estimated 100 to 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of FGM.
It is mostly carried out on young girls sometime between infancy and age 15 years.
In Africa an estimated 92 million girls from 10 years of age and above have undergone FGM.
FGM is internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.
It is illegal to practice FGM in the UK.

Breast Flattening

Breast Flattening (also known as Breast Ironing) is the process whereby young pubescent girls' breasts are ironed, massaged and/or pounded down through the use of hard or heated objects in order for the breasts to disappear or delay the development of the breasts entirely. Read more about Breast Flattening on the National FGM Centre website.

Although there is no specific law within the UK around breast flattening or breast ironing, it is classified as physical abuse and therefore professionals must follow the SET Procedures.

Breast Flattening - 7 Minute Briefing

Spotting the Signs

Suspicions may arise in a number of ways that a child is being prepared for FGM to take place abroad. These include knowing that the family belongs to a community in which FGM is practised and is making preparations for the child to take a holiday, arranging vaccinations or planning absence from school. The child may also talk about a 'special procedure/ceremony' that is going to take place. Girls are at particular risk of FGM during summer holidays. This is the time when families may take their children abroad for the procedure. Many girls may not be aware that they may be at risk of undergoing FGM.

The National FGM Centre has a useful interactive world map showing affected countries.

From October 2015, the new duty for professionals working in the "regulated professions", to notify the police if they discover that an act of FGM appears to have been carried out on a girl who is under 18 will come into force. Regulated professionals will cover healthcare professionals, teachers and social care workers. A failure to report the discovery in the course of their work could result in a referral to their professional body.

Reporting concerns and support organisations

If you have concerns that a girl or young woman may be taken overseas for FGM then please contact the FCO on 0207 008 1500 or email fgm@fco.gov.uk

Karma Nirvana - have lots of support for safeguarding professionals. They also offer a safe and confidential national helpline for those worried about HBA: Karma Nirvana Honour Network: 0800 5999 247

Forward: 0208 960 4000

Women's Aid: 0808 2000 247