FGM: the role of front-line staff

Paramedics and other front-line health and social care professionals have responsibilities to safeguard children and protect adults from the exploitations linked with female genital mutilation (FGM). It is estimated that 66 000 women and girls in the UK have been victims of FGM, with up to 24 000 girls under 15 years of age believed to be at risk (Department for Education (DfE), 2014).

It is illegal in the UK to subject a girl or woman to FGM or to assist a non-UK person to carry out FGM overseas. FGM is mutilation of the labia majora, labia minora or the clitoris (Department of Health (DH), 2011). In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the practice is illegal under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 and in Scotland it is illegal under the Prohibition of Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005.

It is vital that paramedics work with other front-line staff as it is doubtful that any single agency will be able to respond to the multiple needs of a girl or woman affected by FGM. The Government has produced guidelines that set out a multiagency response as well as strategies to encourage agencies to collaborate and work together (DH, 2011). Working with teachers, social care colleagues and the police where necessary can ensure that children are kept safe.