HAMPSHIRE'S police and crime commissioner (PCC) is urging people to speak about the harming effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) to prevent more women and girls suffering from this form of violence. 

February 6 was the United Nations-sponsored annual international day of zero tolerance for FGM. 

PCC Donna Jones spoke at a community event in Hampshire highlighting how important it is to raise awareness and understanding of FGM, to help identify those who may be at risk. 

She said: “When we think of violence against women and girls, we often think of sexual harassment, domestic violence, assault and rape, however many women and girls are also suffering interfamilial abuse in the home and traditional cultural practices such as FGM.

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“FGM doesn’t hit the headlines in the same way as rape and sexual assaults and that’s because it’s a hidden harm in our society.

“It’s an incredibly damaging, traumatic procedure which will affect a girl’s whole life.”

FGM is the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is also known as female circumcision or cutting. Those who undertake and support this practice believe it is beneficial and is in a girl's or woman’s best interests. However, the short and long-term health risks are devastating. 

The PCC expressed how hard it must be for girls affected by this to come forward, but reassured that she and the police funds specialist service providers to work with communities. 

Peter Boakes, violence against women and girls tactical lead for Hampshire police, said: “Unfortunately, FGM is a massively under-reported offence across Hampshire. We are committed to working closer with impacted communities across the county and are seeking to encourage greater confidence in reporting cases of FGM to police so that we can support victims when required.

“We are dedicated to enhancing the trust and confidence of victims by expanding the knowledge and skills of staff. The force has provided training to our frontline staff about FGM, Forced Marriage (FM) and Honour Based Violence (HBV) – as well as dedicated training to our investigators about changes in FGM legislation."

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The police recognised that some victims may feel from contacting them because of cultural or religious beliefs, but urged them and anyone else impacted to come forward by calling 101, reporting it online or if in an emergency, call 999. 

If you are affected by FGM, or know someone who is, there are a number of organisations that can help:

NSPCC FGM Helpline: 0800 023 3550 or fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk 

Southern Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS): 023 9200 8328 

Information on signs of FGM, and how to prevent and protect children can be found here: NSPCC: nspcc.org.uk/fgm

Resources for teachers and parents:

Safe 4 Me website: safe4me.co.uk