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Cardiff Airport travellers urged to be aware of children taken overseas for FGM this summer (16 August 2016)

Date: 16/08/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Cardiff Airport travellers urged to be aware of children taken overseas for FGM this summer

Travellers through Cardiff Airport this summer are being handed leaflets raising awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM), as the risk of young females being taken out of the UK for the practice is higher during the summer months and school holidays.

The move is part of an awareness campaign organised by the multi-agency Wales FGM Strategic Leadership Group.

FGM has been a specific criminal offence in England and Wales since 1985, when the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985 was passed.

The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 repealed and replaced the 1985 Act in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It also made it an offence for UK nationals or permanent UK residents to carry out FGM abroad – or to aid, abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM abroad, even in countries where the practice is legal.

The maximum penalty was also increased from five to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Kim-Ann Williamson of the Crown Prosecution Service chairs the Wales FGM Strategic Leadership Group. Ms Williamson said:

“FGM can devastate the lives of victims – but too often this is a practice that is carried out in a secretive environment that makes it difficult to monitor and prevent.

“At this time of year, we know that there are children at risk of FGM who may be taken out of the country during the summer holidays – that's why we want to raise awareness of FGM among people travelling through the airport this summer.

“We understand that there are sometimes cultural barriers that may prevent friends, family or other community members from coming forward to express concern about a child they know.

“We’re asking people to think about the welfare of children – but also remind them that this is a serious criminal act.

“We want people in our communities to be alert to the dangers – and, above all else, place the welfare of the child at the centre of everything.”

In Wales, all children identified as being at risk of FGM are reported to social services, so that safeguarding procedures can be put in place.

Anyone with concerns is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or the FGM Helpline on 0800 028 3550.

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