Talking about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
The issue of FGM might come up as a topic in your family because your child hears about it and they are curious, or because it is a matter that affects your family or community. In conversation with your child, you can offer some basic information about FGM. This text explains what it is and that it is illegal and a form of child abuse.
Female Genital Mutilation, sometimes called FGM for girls, is child abuse. It involves a girl’s genitals (private parts) being cut so they are removed or altered in different ways. Girls can feel pressured or forced to have FGM, especially if other people in the family have been cut. It is a painful and dangerous procedure. It is illegal in Scotland and is considered a form of child abuse. Women and men all over the world are campaigning to stop FGM.
Sara’s story
FGM Aware
https://www.fgmaware.org
This is the story of a woman who has been cut as a child, and who has come to Scotland and has her family here (duration 5 minutes 53).
ChildLine
ChildLine has information you can look at together about FGM. Also on ChildLine you will find Hada’s story of FGM: Hadas’ story about FGM | Childline
Get help if you are worried about you, your daughter or any girl or woman being forced to have FGM
If you or your daughter are worried about being forced to have FGM in the future, you/they should talk to a trusted adult, such as a teacher at school, or a doctor.
You can contact ParentLine for free and in confidence: 08000 28 22 23 or go here for a link to the webchat and email facility: How Children 1st Parentline Can Support You | Children 1st
If you think you, your child, or another child, are in immediate danger of being cut or being taken abroad for this to happen, you can call the police (dial 999).
theChat.scot 