New FGM order protects first two girls

A POLICE force has secured the first female genital mutilation ( FGM) protection order. It prevents travel by two girls who are thought to be at risk of being taken to Africa to undergo FGM.

Bedfordshire Police obtained the order under a law which came into force today. The measure allows authorities to seize the passports of people who they suspect are planning on taking girls abroad for mutilation. Breaching the order is a criminal offence.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Bellingham, of the force’s Public Pro- tection Unit, said: “This legislation is a really positive step forward in the fight against this horrific, cruel crime. With schools breaking up for the summer holidays today, we will continue to use [it] where needed to prevent young girls who we believe may be at risk.”

FGM is a procedure that sees the partial or total removal of the external female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is estimated that more than 20,000 girls under the age of 15 in the UK are at risk each year, yet very few cases are reported.

Signs that FGM may have taken place on a child include a lengthy absence from school, health problems including bladder and menstrual issues, and behavioural changes. A child may also talk about being taken away for a special ceremony or say that there is something they are not allowed to mention.

Anyone seeking more help and information about FGM is asked to contact police on 101, or the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) on 0800 028 3550, a dedicated FGM helpline.