International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM 2020
Today is the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM
FGM is a human rights issue that affects girls and women across the globe.
FGM is child abuse that leads to lifelong physical and psychological harm.
No child should be exposed to the risks of:
- Death from shock, haemorrhage or septicaemia;
- Infection from dirty conditions;
- HIV;
- Pain
- Fear
- Anxiety
- discomfort.
- Kidney and or recurrent urinary damage;
- Genital malformation, cysts, keloid scar formation;
- Delayed menarche (first menstrual cycle);
- Chronic pelvic complications;
- Sexual frigidity, pain during sex, lack of pleasurable sensation;
- Obstetric complications;
- Mental health difficulties, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Here are the key safeguarding factors to be aware of:
- If their family comes from an FGM practising community;
- Information is gleaned of intent to travel to their country of origin;
- A parent asks to take their childfrom lessons learning about FGM at your school;
- A child is scareed about a special ceremony or custom;
- A child talks about FGM e.g. sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez and khitan.
- A family member has undergone FGM.
We must safeguard victims of FGM. There are symptoms which can present that may indicate a girl has been abused in this way. So be aware if a girl:
- is struggling to walk, stand or sit;
- frequently visits the toilet;
- is quieter, anxious or depressed;
- is behaving differently after an absence from school;
- is often absent due to infections (vaginal, pelvic or urinary);
- has difficulties urinating or is incontinence;
- is having menstrual problems;
- does not want to go the GP.
SSS Learning Safeguarding Director
