A doctor has launched a film urging people to alert authorities if they suspect a girl is likely to be subjected to genital mutilation.
Dr Sudhir Sethi, a community paediatrician, is urging people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, fears that with the long summer holidays about to begin, many young girls will be taken abroad and forced to undergo the procedure, known as FGM or female circumcision.
FGM is any procedure which involves the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, for non-medical reasons.
All types of FGM have been illegal in the UK since the 1985 Female Circumcision Prohibition Act.
Dr Sudhir Sethi, the city and counties’ designated doctor for safeguarding children, said: “We have sizeable communities here who may be at risk from FGM.
“From my perspective, it is the violation of the rights of a child to be protected from any form of torture, inhumane or degrading treatment.”
He urged anyone who suspects a girl is a potential victim of FGM to alert the police or council.
Dr Sethi said: “The signs can be very subtle.
“The girl might simply say she is going on a long holiday, and might simply say there is going to be a great celebration or a special event – or she may say she is going and will return as a ‘proper woman’.
“That’s all we will get.
“If people act and protect one child, they will potentially be protecting many children in that child’s family, community and extended family.”
The hard-hitting film has been launched to spell out the dangers of FGM.
It is estimated that 10 per cent of FGM victims die as a result of the procedure and as many as one in four suffer recurrent problems.
Effects of the procedure include severe pain and shock, broken limbs from being held down, infection, increased risk of HIV/AIDS, urine retention and fatal haemorrhaging.
FGM can also lead to uterus, vaginal and pelvic infections and cysts as well as infertility along with pregnancy and childbirth complications.
It can also lead to longer term psychological problems and depression.
Anyone suspecting FGM can report it by contacting Leicestershire County Council on 0116 305 0005; Leicester City Council on 0116 454 1004 or Rutland Council on 01572 758407.
For more information on FGM visit: www.healthforteens.co.uk/growing-up/fgm/female-genital-mutilation-fgm-and-female-circumcision-just-the-facts/