Violence against women and girls

Question 1

what is female genital mutilation

Answer 1

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

Question 2

type 1 - Clitoridectomy - what is it?

Answer 2

partial or total removal of the clitoris and, in very rare cases, only the prepuce

Question 3

type 2 - excision - what is it?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

type 3 - Infibulation - what is it?

- what can it sometimes be referred to as?

Answer 4

narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the inner, or outer, labia, with or without removal of the clitoris. Sometimes referred to as Pharaonic circumcision

Question 5

what surgical procedure opens up the closed vagina of FGM type 3?

Answer 5

De-infibulation

Question 6

Re-infibulation is?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

short term health impacts? (7)

Answer 7

• severe pain and shock
• infection
• injury to adjacent tissues
• sprains, dislocations, broken bones or internal injuries from being restrained
• immediate fatal haemorrhaging
• infection by blood borne virus
• death

Question 8

Long term health impacts? (7)

Answer 8

• urine retention and difficulties in menstruation
• uterus, vaginal and pelvic infections
• cysts and neuromas
• complications in pregnancy and childbirth
• increased risk of fistula
• on-going impact of trauma / PTSD
• sexual dysfunction

Question 9

Some key risk factors?

Answer 9

• mother has had FGM
• siblings have had it
• parents value the practice