Twenty new cases of female genital mutilation (FGM) have been reported in Nottingham – with the majority of the procedures being carried out on victims under the age of four.
New figures published by NHS Digital on Tuesday (June 6) show that the new cases were recorded between January and March this year.
All 20 victims were pregnant when the FGM was identified by and the majority of cases – 15 – were discovered by a medic carrying out an examination.
The data shows that all of the victims underwent a surgery called deinfibulation to treat some of the problems associated with FGM.
All of the reported victims went on to give birth to daughters and were advised on the dangers – and illegalities – of FGM in a bid to prevent further cases.
According to the data, 10 of the victims were under the age of one when FGM was carried out and five were aged between one and four. The ages of the remaining victims were not provided.
A spokesman for the NSPCC said: “We know that FGM is still affecting hundreds of girls in the UK, and these figures show that it continues to effect young people in the Nottingham area.
“We would urge those at risk, or any adults worried about them, to speak out and get help.
“Some families who subject their children to FGM may do so because of cultural norms or that they believe it will help their child improve their life. It’s vital that everyone realises FGM serves no purpose, leaves long lasting physical and emotional scars on the victims, and is a form of child abuse.”
http://www.nottinghampost.com/nhs-group-reveals-20-new-cases-of-fgm-in-nottingham/story-30374345-detail/story.html
