FGM Mini-Conference at the Somali Development Services Centre Leicester 14.10.15

Dr Sethi Consultant Paedaitrician, designated doctor for child protection; Detective Sergeant Fraser George from Leicestershire Police and Sanjiv Pattani a Board Officer at the LSCB   spoke to the community members about the health consequences of FGM on women.

This was an excellent opportunity for health professionals, Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland (LLR) Safeguarding Boards and Police to engage with the Local Somali community in order to safeguard the young girls and how the mainstream bodies can work with the community so that the risk of FGM can be minimised.

The mini-conference was held on 14th October 2015 at the Somali Development Centre at Abingdon Street, Leicester.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines female genital mutilation (FGM) as: "all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons" (WHO, 2014).

FGM is physical abuse, and it is also a form of sexual violence.

The Female Genital Mutilation Act was introduced in 2003 and came into effect in March 2004. The Act:

•  Makes it illegal to practice FGM in the UK;

• Makes it illegal to take girls who are British nationals or permanent residents of the UK abroad for FGM whether or not it is lawful in that country;

• Makes it illegal to aid, abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM abroad;

• Has a penalty of up to 14 years in prison and/or a fine.

LSCB Presentation