FGM and Violence against Women

Question 1

Define female genital mutiliation (FGM)

Answer 1

Comprise all procedures that involve partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for cultural or non-medical reasons

Question 2

What are the different types of FGM?

Answer 2

Clitoridectomy
Excision
Infibulation
Other

Question 3

What is a clitoridectomy?

Answer 3

Partial or total removal of the clitoris and in cases, only the prepuce

Question 4

What is an excision FGM?

Answer 4

Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora

Question 5

What is an infibulation?

Answer 5

Narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. Seal formed by cutting and repositioning the inner or outer labia, with or without clitoris removal.

Question 6

What are the other forms of FGM?

Answer 6

Pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterising the genital area

Question 7

What is re-fibulation?

Answer 7

The re-sttiching of FGM to re close the vagina again after childbirth

Question 8

What is de-fibulation?

Answer 8

Surgical procedure to open up the closed vagina of infibulation FGM

Question 9

What are the justifications for FGM?

Answer 9

Preservation of virginity and chastity 
Religion 
Social acceptance 
Fear or social exclusion 
Hygiene and cleanliness 
Enhancing fertility 
Family honour 
Increasing sexual pleasure for male 
Ensure girl is marriageable

Question 10

What is the average age at which FGM occurs?

Answer 10

Between 4 and 10

Question 11

What are the short-term health impacts of FGM?

Answer 11

Severe pain and shock 
Infection 
Injury to adjacent tissues
Sprains, dislocations, broken bones, or internal injuries from being restrained 
Immediate fatal haemorrhage 
Infection by blood borne virus

Question 12

What are the long term health impacts of FGM?

Answer 12

Urine retention and difficulties menstruating
Uterine, pelvic and vaginal infections
Cysts and neuromas
Complications in pregnancy and childbirth
Increased risk of fistula
On going impact of trauma/PTSD
Sexual dysfunction

Question 13

What are the psychological effects of FGM?

Answer 13

PTSD 
Anxiety 
Depression
Fear of intimacy 
Loss of trust 
Unresolved anger 
Nightmares 
Flashbacks

Question 14

What is the law against in FGM in Scotland?

Answer 14

Prohibition of female genital mutilation (Scotland) act 2005

Question 15

When did FGM become illegal in the UK

Answer 15

Offence since 1985

Question 16

What are the key risk factors for FGM?

Answer 16

Mother has had FGM
Older sister or cousins have undergone FGM
Parents express views which show value in practice
Girl is withdrawn from teaching on personal, social or health education

Question 17

What are the possible signs of imminent risk of FGM?

Answer 17

Girl withdrawn from school for extended holiday
Girl talks about long trip planned for summer holidays
Visit from female family elder, especially from country of origin
Girl talks about “something special happening” or “going to be a woman soon”