Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Understanding FGM, the mandatory reporting duty under the Serious Crime Act 2015, and how to recognise children at risk.
What is this?
Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is illegal in the UK, causes significant and lasting physical and psychological harm, and is a form of child abuse. Since October 2015, there has been a mandatory duty on regulated health and social care professionals and teachers in England and Wales to report known cases of FGM in girls under 18 to the police.
How it works
FGM is typically carried out by a practitioner in the community, often during childhood or early adolescence. Girls may be taken abroad during school holidays for the procedure, or FGM may be performed in the UK. The practice is associated with specific cultural, ethnic, and geographical communities, but it is important to be aware of risk without stereotyping. Families may not recognise that FGM constitutes abuse.
Warning signs
In your child's behaviour
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Prevention steps
Know the mandatory reporting duty
Under the Serious Crime Act 2015, teachers and health professionals must report known cases of FGM in girls under 18 directly to the police. This duty applies where the professional has been told about FGM or has observed it — it is not discretionary.
Use the FGM risk indicator checklist
Schools in particular should use risk assessment tools prior to school holidays to identify girls who may be at risk. The Home Office and NSPCC provide guidance materials and checklists for this purpose.
Refer concerns to your DSL promptly
If you have a concern that a girl may be at risk of FGM before it occurs, this is a child protection matter and should be referred to your DSL immediately. Early intervention can prevent the procedure from taking place.
What to do if it happens
- 1If you know or believe a girl under 18 has had FGM performed on her, you have a mandatory legal duty to report this to the police (dial 101 or 999 in an emergency). This duty is personal and cannot be delegated.
- 2If you are concerned a girl is at risk of FGM imminently, contact children's social care and consider contacting the police immediately. An emergency protection order may be sought in urgent cases.
- 3For advice and support, contact the NSPCC FGM Helpline on 0800 028 3550 (free, 24/7) or the FGM Support Clinic nearest to you.
Related topics
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-10