FGM in the UK

[PotholeParadies]

I don't know if this was discussed at the time, but I came across this earlier.

However, CCGs for North Kirklees, Airedale and Scarborough & Ryedale found most victims had been cut in the UK where the practice is banned.

Cut. In. The. UK.

This is horrendous.

It goes on to say

In March last year, a woman was jailed for 11 years at the Old Bailey for carrying out FGM on her daughter when she had been three years old. The landmark case was the first - and to date, only - where someone in this country has been jailed for the practice.

One conviction.

I recognise that perhaps it may not always be in a child's best interests to prosecute, but all of them?

www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/crime/horrifying-figures-reveal-extent-female-genital-mutilation-victims-yorkshire-2881897

I've just found this article. Various points, but one really important one is that the pandemic means that women aren't accessing services, and there are concerns that future funding could be reduced on the assumption there is less need!

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55089000

It is feared victims of female genital mutilation in England are not reporting cases because of delays and lockdown closures, charities have told the BBC.

It comes as new figures revealed 635 new cases were recorded from July-September - a fall of more than a third compared with the same period in 2019.

The Home Office and NHS England said clinics remained open - but victims have reported treatment delays.

Campaigners fear the lower figures could lead to future funding cuts.

I don’t understand why the parents aren’t routinely prosecuted?

The government will have to factor in "the pandemic influence". Or be told loudly to.

They must keep funding high.

@PotholeParadies

And I bet the numbers are much higher than that, but it’s impossible to know, especially if these girls haven’t been in school for months. We’ve been trained in spotting signs but that’s impossible to do over teams