Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a painful and dangerous practice where female genitals are cut, injured or changed for non-medical reasons. 

FGM is a form of violence against women and girls. It is globally recognised as a violation of human rights. It is banned in the UK and many other countries.

Here, we tell you more about FGM and where to get support if you are a survivor of FGM or are worried about someone else.

FGM is also known as 'female circumcision' or 'cutting'. There are different types.

It can involve the partial or total removal of the clitoris (the sensitive spot at the top of the vulva) and cutting or removing the labia (the folds of skin around the vagina). It can also involve the narrowing of the vaginal opening, and the pricking, piercing or burning of genitals. 

It is often done by people who do not have medical training, without supplies like anaesthetic to numb the genitals. 

FGM survivors are left with a range of traumatic symptoms. They can have severe pain, bleeding, and mental health problems. It can also lead to long-term issues that may affect pregnancy and childbirth.  

It happens across the world, but is most common in Africa and the Middle East. The way it is done varies across countries and ethnic groups.  

It’s hard to know just how widespread it is. UNICEF reports that at least 200 million girls and women who are alive today have had some form of FGM. Many of them are under 15 years old.  

In England and Wales it’s thought that over 130,000 women and girls are living with FGM.  

There are complex religious, social or cultural reasons for FGM. All of them are rooted in gender discrimination. Some communities see it as a normal part of their identity. Some believe it is a rite of passage for girls to become women. Others believe it’s necessary for marriage or inheritance.  

Around the world, FGM is considered a violation of the human rights of girls and women. Many countries have laws that ban it. This includes the UK – FGM has been against the law here since 1985. It is also a crime to assist a girl to carry out FGM on herself, or to take a child abroad to have FGM. You can get up to 14 years in prison if you break this law.

If you think someone is in danger you should call the police on 999 straight away.

You can get help if you've had FGM or you're worried that someone else is at risk.