Legal News

A parent in Salford has been handed Greater Manchester’s first female circumcision banning order to prevent a young girl being taken overseas for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Manchester Evening News reports that as a result of the court order, the authorities now have the power to remove the girl’s parents' passports should they attempt to take her out of the UK.

The Female Genital Mutilation Prevention Order gives authorities the power to remove passports if they suspect a girl is at immediate risk of being removed from the UK for the purposes of carrying out FGM, which is traditional in some communities in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

The UK government pledged to eradicate FGM and forced marriage when David Cameron spoke to the 2014 Girls’ Summit, which Britain hosted in London in July last year.

Healthcare professionals, social workers and teachers are being asked to report any concerns over FGM, or if they feel a girl might be at risk, or has been circumcised.

The FGM Prevention Order was issued at the end of a week in which police officers have been giving out advice and information booklets at Manchester Airport at the start of the summer holidays, which is a key period when girls are taken overseas for FGM, to give them time to heal before returning to the UK.

Estimates suggest up to 20,000 girls under the age of 15 may be at risk of FGM across the UK – and an estimated 66,000 woman are living with the consequences of FGM, which can leave women in pain and with nerve damage, as the procedure is not usually carried out by a medical professional, but often by a family member or local women in some communities overseas.

Detective Superintendent Joanne Rawlinson said:

“No matter what form it takes, honour-based abuse is an abhorrent crime –
and we are working hard to detect incidents and protect the vulnerable people involved.

“Female genital mutilation is a brutally harmful process and we operate a zero tolerance approach to it.

“This week of activity has been organised to raise awareness among both the general public – and those who may believe honour-based abuse to be a part of their culture.

“Police intelligence has shown that girls at risk are taken back to their countries of origin at the start of school holidays. This allows for healing prior to their return to school.

“FGM is an offence whether committed here or abroad – and we urge people to reject this barbaric process or tell us about anyone they might be concerned about.”

Border Force North Regional Director, Tony McMullin, said:

“The summer holidays are a time of particular risk for many girls – and we are working closely with our partners to provide crucial intelligence and carrying out additional checks to prevent FGM”.

FGM concerns can be reported on the police number 101 or anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

FGM concerns can also be reported to the FGM Helpline on 0800 028 3550 – or at children’s charity the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.


Duncan Lewis Child Abuse Lawyers

Duncan Lewis child abuse lawyers can advise on cases of FGM and all cases involving child abuse, including Court Orders, child sexual exploitation, physical or psychological abuse, and cases of domestic violence where children are also targeted.

Duncan Lewis has offices nationwide and is a leading provider of Legal Aid services.

Duncan Lewis also advises on child abuse under UK law and Islamic law, as well as cross border cases – and child care law in international marriages and divorce, including international child abduction.

For expert legal advice on child care law and child abuse, call Duncan Lewis Children Lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

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