Violence against women and girls

Question 1

Definition of female genital mutilation (FGM)

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Types of female genital mutilation (FGM)

Answer 2

Type I = clitoridectomy
Type II = excision
Type III = infibulation
Type IV = other

Question 3

Definition of clitoridectomy (type I FGM)

Answer 3

Partial/total removal of clitoris and in very rare cases, only the prepuce

Question 4

Definition of excision (type II FGM)

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Definition of infibulation (type III FGM)

Answer 5

Narrowing of vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. Seal is formed by cutting + repositioning of inner or outer labia +/- removal of the clitoris

Question 6

Type 4 FGM definition

Answer 6

All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterising the genital area

Question 7

Definition of De-infibulation

Answer 7

Surgical procedure to open up the closed vagina of FGM Type 3

Question 8

Definition of Re-infibulation

Answer 8

The restitching of FGM type 3 to re-close the vagina again after childbirth

Question 9

Justifications for FGM

Answer 9

Preservation of virginity and chastity 
Religion or mistaken belief of religious requirement 
Social acceptance/duty of parents 
Fear of social exclusion 
Ensure girl is marriageable/improve marriage proposal 
Hygiene and cleanliness
Increasing sexual pleasure for male 
Family honour 
Enhancing fertility

Question 10

Possible negative impacts in some societies of girls NOT having FGM

Answer 10

Regarded as unclean so not allowed to handle food and water
Not regarded as adult
Initiation/social acceptance issues

Question 11

Most common age for FGM

Answer 11

Between 4 to 10

Question 12

3 countries where there is >80% risk of FGM

Answer 12

Sudan
Egypt
Somalia

Question 13

FGM short term health impacts (depending on type and conditions)

Answer 13

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 14

FGM long term health effects

Answer 14

Urine retention 
Difficulties in menstruation 
Uterine, vaginal and pelvic infections
Cysts and neuromas 
Complications in pregnancy and childbirth 
Increased risk of fistula 
Ongoing impact of trauma/PTSD 
Sexual dysfunction 
Additional psychosexual and psychological issues
Social consequences
- estrangement form parents or families
- relationship/marriage breakdown

Question 15

Psychological effects of FGM

Answer 15

Post traumatic symptoms
Anxiety 
Depression 
Fear of intimacy 
Loss of trust
Unresolved anger 
Nightmares
Flashbacks (esp. with sex and childbirth)

Question 16

The law banning of FGM

Answer 16

Prohibition of female genital mutilation (Scotland) act 2005

Question 17

Should be viewed as increased risk factors for FGM

Answer 17

mother has had FGM - KEY FACTOR
older sister or cousins undergone FGM
Mother/father have requested re-infibulation after delivery
parents express views that show that they value the practice
Girl is withdrawn from all teaching classes on personal, social or health education
communities less integrated into british society more likely
girls withdrawn from school to allow for an extended holiday or a girl talks about a long planned trip
visit from a family friend elder, particularly from country of origin, to ‘help’ after the baby is born
A girl may talk about “something special happening” or a “big party” or “going to be a women soon”
If forced marriage suspected or known