8th February 2016
Public health minister Jane Ellison has launched an FGM prevention week of action and is urging health and care professionals to help prevent FGM. It was launched at the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM National Conference.
There are currently 60,000 girls aged 0 to 14 years living in the UK who are potentially at risk of FGM.
Dr Cheryll Adams, Executive Director iHV, said: “Raising the profile of FGM and encouraging girls and women to seek support is very important. The iHV has produced Good Practice Points to advise health visitors on their role when working with families where FGM may be an issue.”
FGM prevention week is to mark the annual International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM on 6 February. It will run from 8 to 12 February 2016 and will focus on a different aspect of FGM prevention work each day:
- Tuesday 9 February: mandatory reporting
- Wednesday 10 February: communities and survivors
- Thursday 11 February: training
- Friday 12 February: mental health
