Female genital mutilation (FGM)

Information to help an understanding of:

• What is FGM and why is it carried out?
• What are the health risks and consequences?
• How to recognise the signs and how to prevent the process?
• What are the guidelines for different agencies tackling FGM?

Forced Marriage

A ‘forced’ marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not and/or cannot consent to the marriage and duress is involved. Duress can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual, and emotional pressure. Duress can not be justified on religious or cultural grounds.

Breast ironing

Concerns have been raised that breast ironing is also to be found amongst African communities in the UK, with as many as 1,000 girls at risk. Keeping Children Safe in Education (2016) mentions breast ironing on page 54, as part of the section on so-called ‘Honour Violence’.

Staff worried about the risk of breast ironing in their school should speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible. Schools need to know the risk level within their communities and tackle the risk as appropriate.