Female genital mutilation (FGM) is when a woman or girl’s genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed for no medical reason. It is also known as female circumcision or cutting. It is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and 15 years old, most commonly before puberty starts. It can also be carried out during adolescence or before a young woman gets married. It can also happen to adult women. FGM is a crime and must be reported to the police.
If someone is in immediate danger of FGM, call the police.
If you know a British national who has been taken abroad for FGM, contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 020 7008 1500.
Find out more about FGM from the NHS website.