Family Solicitors

A report from the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel has revealed that more than 600 new victims of female genital mutilation (FGM) have been identified in seven months in the West Midlands.

BBC News reports that hospital figures show a total of 632 new cases of FGM were recorded between September 2014 and March 2015 – and between January and November 2014, a total of 118 cases were referred to West Midlands Police.

The West Midlands Police and Crime Panel has announced that a new taskforce is to be launched to tackle FGM across the West Midlands – and the panel will work towards deciding “how to achieve best outcomes in tackling FGM” to counter inconsistencies across the region.

The panel also said different areas and organisations were “at different places to deal with this form of child abuse” – and suggested that a regional task force would ensure “better co-ordination of agencies” to eradicate FGM.

FGM has been illegal in the UK for 30 years – but families may still arrange for girls to be sent overseas to undergo FGM, often during school holidays.

The report states:

“We call upon all relevant authorities – including those involved in law enforcement, the justice system and public health – to do everything in their power to protect young girls from this life-endangering, health-threatening crime.”

The side effects of FGM – which involves cutting female genitalia to prevent sexual pleasure – include bleeding, severe pain and symptoms of shock which can lead to death.

The panel’s report says that, according to the Muslim Women's Network UK, victims of FGM may also suffer psychological effects such as experiencing flashbacks at least twice a week.

The panel also said there had been some intelligence to suggest that girls were being brought to Birmingham to undergo FGM.

Last July, David Cameron told the Girls Summit in London that the UK would lead the way in eradicating the practice of FGM globally.

Even in countries where the practice has been made illegal – such as Tanzania – girls are still being forced to undergo FGM, BBC News reports.

In Mugumu in Tanzania a safe house has been set up for when girls are most at risk of their families forcing them to undergo FGM.

In the Serengeti District, there is a six-week “cutting season”, which traditionally takes place every two years.

Duncan Lewis Family Lawyers

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of family and children lawyers, able to advise on matters such as child abuse in the home – including FGM and physical or sexual abuse.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our family and child care lawyers are also able to advise victims of domestic violence on their legal options.

Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid services.

For expert legal advice on family law and child care matters, call Duncan Lewis family lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

For confidential legal help with tackling domestic violence, call the Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors helpline on 07920 077054.