Female genital mutilation (FGM)

FGM is any procedure that's designed to alter or injure a girl's (or woman's) genital organs for non-medical reasons. It's sometimes known as 'female circumcision' or 'female genital cutting'. It is mostly carried out on young girls.

FGM procedures can cause:

• Severe bleeding
• Infections
• Problems with giving birth later in life - including the death of the baby

FGM is illegal in the UK - it's also illegal to take a British national or permanent resident abroad for FGM or to help someone trying to do this.

The maximum sentence for carrying out FGM or helping it to take place is 14 years in prison.

If you have concerns that a girl or young woman may be taken overseas for FGM then you should call the Norfolk CADS immediately on 0344 800 8020.