Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, maimed or changed without a medical reason.

It is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15, before puberty starts, for various cultural, religious and social reasons in the mistaken belief that it will benefit the girl.

It’s very painful and can seriously harm the health of women and girls. It can also cause long-term problems with sex, childbirth and mental health.

Communities at particular risk of FGM in the UK originate from countries including Guinea, Eritrea, Somalia, Egypt, Sierra Leone, Mali and Sudan.

FGM is normally performed by traditional “cutters” without antiseptic or anaesthetic, and is normally done in a girl’s or her parents’ country of origin.

There are four main types of FGM:

Type 1 – removing part or all of the clitoris.

Type 2– removing part or all of the clitoris and the inner labia with or without removal of the labia majora

Type 3 – narrowing of the vaginal opening by creating a seal, formed by cutting and repositioning the labia

The consequences can include pain, difficulty having sex, infections leading to infertility, abscesses, long-term mental illness and life-threatening problems during labour and childbirth and fatal blood loss.

In the UK it is illegal to perform FGM or commission it, abroad or at home, or help anyone carrying out the procedures.

Anyone who performs FGM can face up to 14 years in prison and failing to protect a girl is punishable by seven years imprisonment.

If someone is in immediate danger the police should be contacted via 999 and anyone with concerns should call the NSPCC’s confidential helpline on 0800 028 3550 or fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk.