There has been a steady increase in the number of reports of FGM, with the NSPCC reporting they receive daily reports. The children’s charity has further stated their charity helpline has logged 1,564 calls between June 2013 and January 2017 about girls who have either been subject to or at risk of the illegal practice.

In 2015 a law was introduced in England and Wales where nurses, midwives and doctors have a mandatory duty to report FGM cases of anyone under 18 to the police. So it vital as part of your care to look out for signs and report it straight away.

Some families are unaware the procedure is in fact illegal and may still go ahead with the procedure in their home countries due to cultural norms.

John Cameron Head of NSPCC helplines said “It’s vital that everyone realises FGM serves no purpose, and leaves long-lasting physical and emotional scars. This is child abuse and against the law. It has no place in any society.”

A study from City University London and Equality Now showed 137,000 women and girls in England and Wales had been affected by FGM.

Whilst on duty if you come across or feel as though a patient in your care is a victim of FGM report it straight away to the nurse in charge of the shift.