Latest NHS figures show that 10 cases of female genital mutilation (FGM) were newly recorded in Lincolnshire in the year 2015/16.
Children’s charity NSPCC is calling for more action to stop FGM after it recorded calls at least once a day from people concerned that girls had already suffered or were at risk of harm.
The practise, also referred to as female genital cutting and female circumcision, is the ritual removal of some or all of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.
FGM ranges from pricking or cauterising to partially or totally remove genitals. Cutting is made using instruments such as a knife, pair of scissors, scalpel, glass or a razor blade.
Religious, social or cultural reasons are sometimes given for FGM. However the practice is regarded as child abuse and is a criminal offence.
It is known to have been used to control female sexuality and can cause severe and long-lasting damage to physical and emotional health.
The practice is believed to affect around 137,000 women and girls in England and Wales.
