Protection order for girl at risk of genital mutilation

AN order has been granted by a High Court judge to protect a three-year-old girl believed to be at risk of female genital mutilation.

On June 12 at a hearing in family court, the South Yorkshire girl was made a ward of court and placed under the protection of a non-molestation order.

Officers from South Yorkshire Police identified the girl as being a potential victim of female genital mutilation (FGM) and the court decision prevents her family from engaging in or preparing for any act of FGM for the child, either in the UK or elsewhere in the world.

It also prevents the family from taking the child out of the country, making travel plans or trying to obtain travel documents for her.

The non-molestation order prevents any violence or threat of violence, including FGM, against the child. Breaches of the orders could result in a jail term.

Under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, it is illegal for FGM to be performed. It is also an offence for a UK national or permanent UK resident to carry out FGM, or help and enable someone else to carry out FGM. This applies even when the victim is taken to a country where this practise is legal.

If convicted, the perpetrator can face up to 14 years in prison.

Detective Sergeant Suzanne Bluck, deputy lead for honour based abuse and FGM for South Yorkshire Police, said: “The decision of the High Court judge last week is a real breakthrough for our force and the protection we can offer to victims and potential victims of this horrific crime.

“This is an incredibly taboo issue that we need to continue to talk about if we are going to prevent this monstrosity happening to our young women.

“Let’s be very clear – female genital mutilation is a form of child abuse and as such it will not be tolerated and we will use whatever options are available to us to safeguard those at risk.”

Anyone wishing to report any concerns about FGM in South Yorkshire should contact 101.

For further information, advice and support, call the NSPCC FGM Helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk, or visit the Daughters of Eve website at www.dofeve.org.