By Hannah Spratt

A UK charity receives a call about female genital mutilation more than once a day

The NSPCC has been contacted by thousands of people concerned about the procedure since its helpline was first set up.

FGM is where a girl or woman's genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed but where there's no medical reason for it.

It's been a criminal offence here for 30 years and in 2003 it also became illegal for people to take their child abroad for the procedure.

The Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland is trying to raise awareness of the issue.

They're also developing guidance for front line health staff on recognising and responding to the problem.

The NSPCC is urging anyone concerned about a child at risk to contact their advisors.

FGM has been a criminal offence in the UK for 30 years, and in 2003 it also became a criminal offence for UK nationals or permanent UK residents to take their child abroad to have female genital mutilation. Despite this, there is yet to be a successful prosecution for the offence.

One doctor told the NSPCC helpline: “I have suspicions in relation to a child that I think may have been flown out of the country for the FGM procedure. The child was brought into my surgery today but the parent wouldn’t allow me to perform an internal examination on the child. The parent was adamant that the child would be checked abroad instead.”

A teacher told the NSPCC helpline: “A child at school will be flying out to Africa soon with their parents. When I asked the parents casually about why they are going, the parents appeared reluctant and nervous to answer. Something doesn’t feel right about this.”

The charity is calling for discussion about FGM to be part of age appropriate Sex and Relationship Education in all schools to ensure girls and boys can recognise the practice as abuse and get help to prevent it.

Locally, the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) is leading development of a professional group which is working closely with communities affected by FGM. This includes raising awareness of FGM and developing guidance for front line staff in health and social services to recognise and respond to the problem and seek help when they need it.

Neil Anderson, Head of the NSPCC in Northern Ireland, said: “We know from calls to our dedicated helpline that female genital mutilation is still affecting hundreds of girls in the UK and we are urging young people, and any adults worried about them, to speak out and get help.

“Some families who subject their children to female genital mutilation may do so because of cultural norms or that they believe it will help their child improve their life. It’s vital that everyone realises FGM serves no purpose, and leaves long lasting physical and emotional scars on the victims.