Police in the Bristol area are investigating more allegations of female genital mutilation (FGM) every year.
Practised by ethnic groups with certain patriarchal traditions, FGM involves removing or injuring genital organs for non-medical reasons.
Usually performed on girls, the dangers of this can include severe bleeding, infections, infertility and complications in childbirth. The practice, which is commonplace in many African and some middle-Eastern countries, has been illegal since 1985 but there is still yet to be a conviction in the UK.
Following a Freedom of Information (FoI) Act request by the Press Association, Avon and Somerset police released figures showing that they investigated 16 suspected FGM cases in 2013, compared with four in 2012 and six in 2011. Most of those are believed to have been in Bristol and the force has also investigated six cases between in the first half of this year, but none of those have resulted in any charges being brought.
DCI Leanne Pook, the force and regional lead on FGM, said: “We take FGM incredibly seriously and, in terms of having a commitment at the highest level – both visibility and support – we are probably a stand alone police force.”
DCI Pook said the key to making in-roads is the integrated work between the police and partner agencies that is going on, especially around education and prevention.
“The nature of FGM is that it is a deeply entrenched cultural practice,” she added. “The ultimate aim is to eradicate FGM in the UK, but that is a huge piece of work that will take years and years.”
FGM is a high priority for Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens, who is working to raise awareness of the issue. If you are affected, call 101, or the NSPCC on 0800 0283550.