Staffordshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner spoke of the growing determination to end female genital mutilation (FGM) at a meeting in Lichfield.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold is leading a campaign, on behalf of PCC Matthew Ellis, about this often hidden form of child abuse.
Last year she brought together over 400 professionals at a day-long conference at Stafford County Showground to tackle FGM.
She continued to spread the message when she met Lichfield Townswomen’s Guild members.
FGM, sometimes called female circumcision or cutting, involves the partial or total removal of the external female genital organs for cultural reasons. It usually happens between the ages of four and ten and can have serious consequences for a woman’s health and in some instances lead to death. It is practised in 28 African countries and some in the Middle East and Asia and affects migrant communities in the UK.
The Serious Crime Act 2015, introduced by the Government, made reporting of FGM mandatory by healthcare and social care professionals and teachers.
Mrs Arnold said: “There is no justification for female genital mutilation and we must commit our resources, our expertise and our determination to eradicating this practise from Staffordshire and beyond.
“I am using every opportunity I can to raise awareness about this hideous crime which is finally beginning to be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
“We need to engage better with communities to educate this generation to protect future generations from FGM.”
Jane Dayus-Hinch, president of Lichfield Townswomen’s Guild, said: “This was our first meeting of Townswomen’s Guild and we had 65 women attend to discuss women’s issues.
“We covered many areas such as the work of Women’s Aid, FGM and Domestic Abuse. It really is important to spread the word of FGM and to let people know it doesn’t just happen in other countries but happens right on your doorstep.
“Sue was extremely inspirational and is very hard working which is why I wanted her to be our first guest speaker.”
For more information visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/fgm/
