Collection

Female genital mutilation

These documents raise awareness of female genital mutilation (FGM) and provide advice on preventative measures.

The Home Office co-ordinates efforts across government and offers outreach support to local areas. You can find out more about FGM through the e-learning package, Recognising and preventing FGM.

The Home Office’s FGM unit:

  • provides outreach support to local areas to support them in developing their local response to tackling FGM and to raise awareness of the unit
  • identifies and highlights examples of effective practice across local areas and professional groups both through the delivery of our outreach programme and an FGM resource pack
  • promotes available FGM resources including the multi-agency guidelines, e-learning, communications products (e.g. leaflets and statement) and resource pack which are all available to download from GOV.UK
  • works with the police, Border Force, the Crown Prosecution Service and the College of Policing to improve the identification and prosecution of offenders
  • has an overview of all government work to tackle FGM and works closely with the voluntary and community sector, survivors and professionals to develop cross-cutting policies and processes

If you are interested in receiving any outreach support or have any other queries, please email the FGM unit at fgmenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk

Please note the unit does not handle individual cases.

If you know someone at risk - contact the NSPCC anonymously if you’re worried that someone is at risk of FGM or is a victim of FGM.

FGM Helpline

If you know someone in immediate danger

Contact the police if you think that a girl or young woman is in immediate danger of FGM. You should also contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office if she’s already been taken abroad.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  • telephone: 020 7008 1500
  • from overseas: +44 (0)20 7008 1500
  • find out about call charges.

You can also contact the nearest British embassy if you’re already abroad.

Get a protection order

You can apply to get a protection order from the court if:

  • you’re a victim of FGM
  • you or someone you know is in danger of FGM

Download and fill in an application form (FGM001). Read the guidance to find out which courts you can apply to.

Documents

FGM resources

Find posters, leaflets and other campaign material

Published 22 March 2013
Last updated 23 June 2023 + show all updates
  1. E-learning link corrected.

  2. Added links to resources: lesson plan for KS3 students, instructions on Operation Limelight, and 'I have rights' leaflet.

  3. FGM protection orders factsheet added.

  4. Updated in error.

  5. Multi-agency statutory guidance published.

  6. Fact sheet on mandatory reporting of female genital mutilation added.

  7. Details FGM Unit's outreach work.

  8. Added a FGM declaration document

  9. First published.