Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a criminal offence. It is a form of violence against women and girls, and when it happens to children, it is child abuse. FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of human rights and is mostly carried out on young girls.

What is female genital mutilation (FGM)?

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the females' genitals (private parts) are injured or changed when there is no medical reason.

Read more about female genital mutilation

Support for victims of female genital mutilation

The CPS is committed to taking steps to help victims and witnesses through the often-difficult experience of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.

Support for victims

Actions the CPS are taking

How we work with the police on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) cases

We have a joint agreement with police that sets out how we work together on FGM cases. This makes sure we act quickly and work closely with other agencies. Your safety and wellbeing are always our main priority.

When the police investigate FGM, we encourage them to contact us as early as possible. This means our lawyers can give advice straight away and help guide the investigation. All FGM cases are handled by specialist teams in our Complex Casework Units who have expert knowledge of these crimes.

What we are doing to improve our response

  • Working with the police: We are updating our joint agreement with the police, which was first published in 2016. This will make sure it reflects how these crimes happen today and helps police and lawyers build strong cases from the start.
  • Keeping records: We are keeping detailed records of all FGM cases, including related crimes like breaking FGM Protection Orders. This helps us track our progress each year and spot any patterns or changes.
  • Learning from cases: We review past cases to see what worked well and what we can improve. We pay particular attention to cases involving medical professionals. This helps us update our guidance and better understand how FGM is happening today.
  • Sharing our experience and knowledge: We hold annual conferences on honour-based abuse with police and the Home Office. These bring together experts from different sectors to share knowledge, improve how we work together, and raise awareness of FGM.

Where to get help?

National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) FGM helpline

Telephone: 0808 028 3550
[email protected] 
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/ 

 
National FGM Centre

http://nationalfgmcentre.org.uk/ 
 
Metropolitan Police

Honour, Belief and Sex (crime and vulnerability) Partnership Team
FLPDU.HonourBeliefandSexC&[email protected] 

Child Protection Helpline

Telephone: 0808 800 5000 (advice for adults worried about a child)

Home Office FGM Unit

[email protected] 
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/female-genital-mutilation 
E-learning

Foundation for Women's Health Research & Development (FORWARD)

Telephone: 020 8960 4000
FORWARD website

Daughters of Eve

Daughters of Eve website

Iranian and Kurdish Women's Rights Organisation

IKWRO website

Childline

Telephone: 0800 1111 (24 hr free helpline for children)
Childline website

Policy reports

Protocol on the handling of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) offences between the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Crown Prosecution Service

CPS VAWG Strategy 2025-2030

The CPS developed a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, not only as a result of the importance the Service places on improving prosecutions of these crimes and supporting victims, but also in recognition of the United Nations, Council of Europe and End Violence Against Women Campaign initiatives and as part of the cross-government VAWG strategy.

CPS VAWG Strategy 2025-2030