High Court judge tells professionals to ‘look out for warning signs of FGM’ among girls in UK

Girls in the UK are at risk of being forced to undergo female genital mutilation, a High Court judge has warned.

The senior judge told professionals including police, social workers, teachers and medics must be aware of warning signs and know how to help.

Mr Justice Keehan, who is based in the Family Division of the High Court in London, has outlined his thoughts in the foreword to a new book about female genital mutilation (FGM) and the law.

“The practice of female genital mutilation remains widespread across the globe, especially in parts of North Africa, but a substantial number of mutilations are reported to have been undertaken in this jurisdiction,” says Mr Justice Keehan.

“Accordingly, the risk to girls and young women living in this jurisdiction is not limited to being taken abroad to be subjected to FGM, but includes the risk of having the mutilation performed in this country.

“It is vital in order to prevent FGM that health and social care professionals, local authorities and law enforcement agencies have a clear understanding of the socio-cultural reasons for the practice of FGM, the factors which may indicate a girl or young woman is at real risk of being forced to undergo FGM and of the effective legal steps which can and must be taken.”

Female Genital Mutilation Law and Practice, written by barrister Zimran Samuel, offers guidance to protective measures available.

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