Police have spoken to hundreds of families flying into Manchester Airport to raise awareness of the genital mutilation of girls.
Officers spoke to passengers from more than 100 flights as part of an initiative to raise awareness of FGM, a criminal offence punishable by 14 years in prison.
Supported by the UK Border Force and Manchester Airport, the specialist GMP team monitored 105 flights arriving at Manchester airport over five days.
It mirrors similar action at the start of the summer, when 100 departing flights were targeted and passengers travelling with and without children were spoken to.
A form of child abuse, FGM is particularly prevalent over the summer holidays when children are taken abroad for the procedure, in which all or parts of a girl’s genitals are removed.
It can lead to trauma, long-term health problems, and risk to wellbeing, sexuality, social development and future adulthood.
In July, Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders were introduced which prevent travel of children believed to be at risk of the practice.
Spt Joanne Rawlinson from Greater Manchester Police said: “The two operations that have taken place during the summer period have provided us with an excellent opportunity to speak directly with families travelling abroad in order to raise awareness about Female Genital Mutilation, and improve their understanding of what it is, and the consequences of such activity.
“Intelligence from affected communities informs us that children have previously been taken abroad for the purpose of FGM during the summer holidays. That is why such an operation is so important. It is essential that our communities fully understand that FGM is child abuse, and that it is a criminal offence whether the procedure is carried out here or abroad.
“As a Force we will continue to work hard with partners to educate our communities, prevent children from being harmed in this way and bring those responsible for such offending to justice. During this summer’s operation passengers were happy to speak about their own experiences and listen to what staff had to say. I would urge anyone who suspects that a child is at risk of FGM to contact the police immediately.”
It is prevalent in countries in mid and northern Africa and parts of Asia.
Border Force North Deputy Director Emma Porter said: “Our safeguarding and trafficking teams have the right skills to identify and deal sensitively with potential victims of FGM in sometimes complex situations.”