Hundreds of people will come together at a special event to tackle female the serious issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold is spearheading a campaign, on behalf of PCC Matthew Ellis, about this often hidden form of child abuse.
Over 250 people have already booked onto a conference on 9 September at Stafford County Showground to bring professionals together to tackle FGM.
FGM, sometimes called female circumcision, involves the partial or total removal of the external female genital organs for non-medical 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.
Mrs Arnold welcomed new measures announced by the Prime Minister yesterday (Tues) to tackle FGM which will see parents face prosecution if they don’t stop their daughters being cut.
She said: “Female genital mutilation is a hideous crime which almost always goes unreported. Around 24,000 girls are currently at risk of FGM across the UK which means that this is a problem that cannot be ignored in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
“All girls have the right to live free from violence and coercion and I thoroughly welcome the measures announced by the Prime Minister. This isn’t just a problem for women in affected communities – it’s an issue which we all need to face.
“The conference in September will bring agencies together to raise awareness so that strong and effective partnerships can be formed to tackle this serious problem.”
Places are still available at the free conference – see http://www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/fgm/ for more information.
