Muslim Women Network

Statutory Mult-Agency Guidance for FGM Consultation Response (Home Office)

September 2015


On 30th September 2015, Muslim Women's Network UK (MWNUK responded to the Home Office's Consultation on the Statutory Mult-Agency Guidance on Female Genital Mutilation. We felt the draft statutory guidance generally provides frontline professionals with the information required on the prevalence of FGM. However, we raised concerns that included: Preventing FGM from taking place appearing to be the only aim of the statutory guidance. However mental health issues or emotional needs were not considered. For example, there is very limited support available in terms of addressing the psychological and emotional needs of victims and survivors. Focus is being placed on increasing reporting as a result of the introduction of the mandatory reporting duty and achieving prosecutions than on prevention and in actually assisting victims and survivors of FGM The guidance suggested a somewhat exhaustive list of risk factors and situations whereas situations could be more complex thus meaning other risk factors being missed More cases studies highlighting different scenarios were needed to assist professionals Links to other issues such as domestic violence and forced marriage could be emphasised further, as there may be many layers to an issue The full report can be downloaded above.

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