Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a procedure carried out on young girls or women for non-medical reasons that can cause severe physical and psychological consequences. It is a violation of human rights, and it is illegal in the UK to perform FGM or to arrange for a child to undergo the procedure in the UK or abroad. Those found guilty of carrying out or assisting in FGM can face a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

For more information on FGM, the NSPCC offers detailed advice on recognising the signs, symptoms, and effects of FGM.

Call the Police on 999 if you think that a girl or young woman is in immediate danger of FGM and is still in the UK.

Call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 020 7008 1500 if she’s already been taken abroad.

Contact the NSPCC FGM Helpline for support - you can email them at fgm.help@NSPCC.org.uk or call their helpline on 0800 028 3550.