Sunday 23 February 2014

Oxford City at Risk of female genital mutilation



OXFORD is a high risk area for the illegal practice of female genital mutilation (FGM).

 

More needs to be done to raise awareness about the issue and get victims to report it.

It is considered normal but it is really horrific and unnecessary. It does not add any value to anyone’s life. It is child abuse.

It is not something we want in the 21st century. It has to stop.

How we can all help girls:young women at risk

Knowing who has been mutilated or is at risk is often difficult, because:

• it happens only once

• parents may believe FGM is a good thing to do for their daughters

• the genitalia of girls are rarely examined

• it is not culturally acceptable for girls to talk openly about FGM.

But remember there is a risk if:

• the girl’s mother or her older sisters have been cut

• the mother has limited contact with people outside of her family

• the paternal grandmother is very influential within the family

• the mother has poor access to information about FGM

• no one talks to the mother about FGM

• health, social service and education staff fail to respond appropriately

• communities are given the impression that FGM is not taken seriously by the statutory sector.           

What you can do:

·        Talk to your pupils

  • Observe and note any changes in behaviour
  • Know your facts

FGM has nothing to do with culture or religion.