FGM - Female Genital Mutilation

FGM signs, how to report, plus national and local support

Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a collective term for procedures which include the partial or total removal of the external female genital organs, or injury to the female genital organs, for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons. It’s also known as 'female circumcision' or 'cutting’ but has many other names.

Signs to look out for:

  • A relative or someone known as a 'cutter' visiting from abroad.
  • The family are making plans to go on holiday during the summer/have requested extended leave from school.
  • The child talks about a forthcoming special celebration.
  • The child / woman may have difficulty walking or sitting.
  • A female relative e.g., a mother or sister, has had FGM.

Learn more about signs FGM might happen, or it might have taken place, on the NSPCC website.

How to report FGM

  • If you're worried a child is at risk of or has already had FGM, call NSPCC’s dedicated FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgm.help@nspcc.org.uk

National helplines

NSPCC

FORWARD (Foundation for Women's Health, Research and Development

Karma Nirvana

Halo Project

Support in Birmingham

Click on the titles to go to the organisation's website.

Birmingham and Solihull Women's Aid  

  • 0808 800 0028 
  • Text Service: 18001 0808 800 0028 (for deaf people/people with a hearing impairment)

Muslim Women’s Network UK

  • Face to face counselling services available to Birmingham based clients only.
  • 0800 999 5786 or 0303 999 5786

Support clinics for survivors of FGM

Venue: City Hospital Maternity Department (for pregnant women), Dudley Road, Birmingham, B18 7QH

  • 07989 209483
  • Opening times: Every Thursday

Venue: Summerfield Health Centre, 134 Heath St, Birmingham B18 7AL

Venue: University Hospitals Birmingham Well Women's Clinic, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, B9 5SS

  • 07817 534 274 or 0121 424 3909

FGM clinic for pregnant women

Venue: Birmingham Women's Hospital, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, B15 2TG

  • Referrals and enquiries to:  r.hanif1@nhs.net
  • Mobile: 07831157651
  • Tel: 0121 335 8222 - Ext: 5756