Hospital drama Casualty came back to Bristol to research a sensitive issue in an up-coming episode.
On Saturday night, it will be the first prime-time drama to feature a story-line on female genital mutilation (FGM).
The show moved to Cardiff after years of filming in Bristol, but decided to come back to the city to consult with Integrate Bristol – a group of young women who have campaigned to raise awareness about the issue.
Saturday’s show, called Unsilenced, at 9.10pm on BBC One, tells the story of a family faced with risks from FGM across generations.
Avon and Somerset police Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Pook was at a screening of the episode last month.
She said: “This is a hugely positive and significant step forward. To see female genital mutilation as a basis for a story-line on a prime-time show goes a great way to raising awareness of the issue.
“Having seen the programme, I was very encouraged by the script writers, who dealt with some very difficult issues, as well as the physical and psychological consequences that can result from FGM.
“It is now important to maintain and indeed increase the momentum of the multi-agency efforts to prevent young girls and women being subjected to this horrific practice.”
FGM is carried out in some African countries and parts of the Middle East and involves part or all of the genitalia being removed from girls. It can involve them being taken abroad for the procedure, which is illegal in the UK.
The procedure carries the risk of death from bleeding or tetanus and long-term problems including urinary incontinence, recurrent infections and chronic pain. In some cases, a reversal is necessary for childbirth.
It is estimated that about 2,000 girls are at risk in Bristol alone.
DCI Pook added: “The work that has been done in Bristol so far has to be credited to many people including projects such as Intergrate.
“It is now imperative that we all continue to work together to spot the signs and protect women, both young and old from this practice.
“Many people do not know what FGM is, so it is continually important that we talk about the issue and work to protect and safeguard women in our communities.”
Avon and Somerset police continue to work closely with their partners within the Bristol multi-agency FGM Delivery and Safeguarding Group to develop an effective approach to tackling FGM.
If you are concerned someone may be at risk, call the police on 101.