Zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Devon and Cornwall Police, alongside partners, are supporting the International day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on Friday 6 February. 

Events will be going on across the globe with conferences, art shows and community workshops to raise awareness about FGM.

The NJennni campaigners will be giving out free cupcakes in the centre of Plymouth this Thursday 5th February to attract attention to the plight of those children who go through the trauma of female genital mutilation.  FGM is illegal in the UK and is punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

FGM cupcake event details: 5th February 2015 11.30-2pm, outside TK Maxx, Plymouth city centre

Detective Chief Inspector, John Trott, from the Public Protection Unit, said,  “Devon and Cornwall Police are committed to working in partnership to see the sustained prevention and eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) whilst bringing offenders to justice. Such crimes and abuses of individual’s human rights must be challenged on every level to achieve its eradication. FGM affects some of the most vulnerable in our society and also represent some of the gravest forms of child and human rights abuses.

"We, the Devon and Cornwall Police are steadfast in our commitment to working in effective partnership across local government, with victims, survivors, all communities, Non-Government agencies, the Crown Prosecution Service and other professionals to prevent such crimes, protect and safeguard victims, potential victims and survivors and raise awareness whilst doing all that we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Alexis Wright from Njenni, says “FGM is performed on the most sensitive part of a girl’s body, it is often done without anaesthetic and in unhygienic conditions.  The result of this trauma can be fistulas, infections, painful childbirth and ultimately death from loss of blood.  This is not culture - its child abuse and we must protect and support the young girls and women who have experienced this and are working to end FGM.”

If you are concerned about FGM it is important to share this information with social care the police – or ring the NSPCC 0800 028 3550. 

For further information click here.