Red Triangle highlights FGM issue

This month marks the start of the Red Triangle Campaign, which aims to eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM).

The national campaign will run until International Women’s Day on March 8 using a symbolic small, downward facing red triangle to denote solidarity against FGM.

Solicitor Hannah Myers from The Family Law Company, explained the background: “FGM is any procedure that involves the injury to, or partial or total removal of female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

“It isn’t pleasant to think about, but the practice – which is predominant in areas of the Middle East, South East Asia and over 29 countries across Africa – has become of increasing concern in this country too. So far, around 137,000 women and girls have been affected in England and Wales.”

Hannah pointed out that FGM is a form of child abuse and violence against women and children, and in the UK, a criminal offence. “It is also an offence to take a British national or permanent resident abroad for FGM or assist with this process,” she added.

It is believed that there are currently around 23,000 girls under 15 currently at risk of FGM in England and Wales. In July 2015, FGM protection orders came into force to safeguard girls at risk. The latest figures from the Ministry of Justice showed 97 applications and 79 orders had been made up to the end of September 2016.

“My advice to anyone in immediate danger of FGM or who knows of someone in this situation is to contact the police. Where children are involved the NSPCC has a helpline to call,” Hannah said.

Any person with concerns about FGM, sexual abuse or domestic abuse who may require legal protection can contact The Family Law Company in Exeter or Plymouth for further advice and assistance with applications for legal aid. The police can be contacted on 0800 555 111 or 101. The NSPCC FGM helpline is 0800 028 3550.

More information on the campaign and how to support it can be found by visiting www.freedomcharity.org.uk