Sandwell Policy and Procedures to address Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Professionals, volunteers and individuals who come across FGM for the first time can feel shocked, upset, helpless and unsure of how to respond appropriately to ensure children are protected from harm. They may be afraid of tackling the issue due to perceived cultural sensitivities. However, it is important for this issue to be addressed and that women and girls are safeguarded.
Sandwell's Domestic Abuse Strategic Partnership have developed an FGM policy and procedures document which covers both adults and children's workforces to provide guidance for frontline professionals and their managers, individuals in Sandwell's local communities and community groups on:
- Identifying when a child may be at risk of being subjected to FGM and responding appropriately to protect the child;
- Identifying when a child has been subjected to FGM and responding appropriately to support the child and;
- Measures which can be implemented to prevent and ultimately eliminate the practice of FGM.
This procedure should be read together with Sandwell adult and child safeguarding procedures.
The policy is available here.