Violence Against Women And Girls

Question 1

What is the definition of FGM?

Answer 1

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

Type 1 - clitoridectomy
Type 2 - excision
Type 3 - infibulation
Type 4 - other

Question 2

How does FGM effect health and normal body functions?

Answer 2

Short term: severe pain, shock, infection, injury to adjacent tissues, sprains, dislocations, breaks, haemorrhage, BBV

Long term: urine retention, difficult menstruation, infections, cysts, neuroma, pregnancy and childbirth complications, increased risk of fistulas, trauma / PTSD, sexual dysfunction

Psychological: post trauma, anxiety, depression, fear of intimacy, loss of trust, unresolved anger, nightmares, flashbacks

Question 3

Who is at risk of FGM?

Answer 3

Mother has FGM

Intermediate
Older sister or cousins have undergone FGM
Mother and or father have requested re infibulation following delivery
Parents express values which show they value the practice
Girl is withdrawn from all teaching classes on PSHE

Possible
Girl withdrawn from school for extended holiday
Visit from elderly relatives

Question 4

What is Scottish law on FGM?

Answer 4

Prohibition of FGM (Scotland) Act:

1) a person who performs an action mentioned in subsection 2) in relation to the whole or any part of the labia majors, labia minora, prepuce of the clitoris, clitoris or vagina of another person person is guilty of an offence
2) those actions are
- excising it
- infibulating it
- otherwise mutilating it
3) aiding and abetting female genital mutilation

Question 5

What is the NHS Scotland FGM action plan to prevent and eradicate FGM?

Answer 5

Overarching:
Positive gender roles, equality of opportunity
Prevention: feeling safe, healthy and positive relationships, recognition of implications and able to challenge and supported
Protection: robust swift consistent and coordinated justice and child protection responses, identification early and held to account
Provision: access to relevant, effective and integrated services, competent recognition and effective response