Please circulate and display the statement widely and if you suspect that a girl is at risk do not hesitate to call FORWARD, or visit our new website at
http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/at-risk for
further information on the necessary steps to take to protect a girl that
you suspect is at risk of FGM. As usual, any financial assistance to support
this work would be most appreciated and information about making a donation to
our work is also available on our website.
FORWARD is delighted to
have recently launched our new website which contains far more information about
our work and useful resources and advice for our clients, professionals,
students and the public on female genital mutilation and other gender
discriminatory issues affecting the well-being of African girls and women. The
latest FORWARD news and updates are also available on the site which we hope you
will find informative.
We wish you a summer of
fun,
Thank you
FORWARD (Foundation for Women's
Health, Research & Development)
Unit
765-767 Harrow
Road
Tel: 020 8960 4000
.......................................................................................................................................
http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/at-risk
In March 2004, the new UK Female Genital Mutilation Act was introduced. FGM is prohibited by law in England, Scotland and Wales, whether it is committed against a United Kingdom national or permanent United Kingdom resident in the UK or abroad. FGM is an abuse of the human rights of girls and women and therefore a child protection issue.
If you suspect that any girl is at risk of being subjected to any form of FGM, take action to report it immediately!! Time counts so please act as soon as you suspect that a girl may be at risk of FGM, the instructions below tell you what to do.
To protect a girl from FGM you can take any of the following actions:
Please also:
If it comes to your attention or you suspect that a girl has already undergone FGM, do not think there is nothing you can do - call FORWARD immediately on 020 8960 4000. She will be in need of specialist care and support and if she has sisters they will be in need of protection.
Do not let labels of 'tradition' 'culture' 'religion' or a fear of being called a 'racist' stop you from taking action to protect girls at risk of FGM, it is a violation of human rights!
If you need to discuss any concerns you have or you need support to take action to protect a girl at risk call FORWARD on the number below - Monday - Friday 9.30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
NB if the girl is at risk outside these hours - you must call any of the agencies above.