Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) can affect a woman's mental health long after the procedure, into her adult life. Women with FGM/C often show signs of psychological trauma:
anxiety, somatization, depression, post-traumatic stress and other mood disorders
.
What is the effects of FGM?
FGM has no health benefits and often leads to long-term physical and psychological consequences. Medical complications can include
severe pain, prolonged bleeding, infection, infertility and even death
. It can also lead to increased risk of HIV transmission.
Study level results suggested that women with FGM/C may be more likely than women without FGM/C to experience psychological disturbances (have a psychiatric diagnosis, suffer from
anxiety, somatisation, phobia, and low self-esteem
).
How does FGM affect a child?
Sometimes religious, social and cultural reasons are given to justify FGM, however it's a dangerous practice and can cause long-lasting health problems that continue throughout a child's life, including:
incontinence or difficulties urinating
.
frequent or chronic vaginal, pelvic or urinary infections
.
menstrual
…
What are the long-term effects of FGM?
Long-term consequences include
complications during childbirth, anaemia, the formation of cysts and abscesses, keloid scar formation
, damage to the urethra resulting in urinary incontinence, dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse), sexual dysfunction, hypersensitivity of the genital area and increased risk of HIV …
Where is FGM legal?
| Country | Kenya | Criminalised | Specific anti-FGM law | Since | 2001 | Notes | Specific national anti-FGM law which prohibits FGM. Cross-border FGM also criminalised. |
|---|
How do you know when a woman is circumcised?
She may also know of
a female relative being cut previously
. A girl who has had FGM may have difficulty walking, standing or sitting and could spend longer in the bathroom or toilet. They could also appear withdrawn, anxious or depressed and exhibit unusual behaviour after an absence from school or college.
How long do you go to jail for FGM?
FGM is illegal in the UK, with a penalty of
up to 14 years in prison
.
How can FGM be prevented?
Given the harmful effects of this practice and its illegal status in many countries, there have been concerted efforts to prevent FGM in HIC through
advocacy and other prevention activities including education, information and public communication campaigns
for affected women and girls.
How does FGM affect childbirth?
Women affected by severe FGM are
70 per cent more likely to suffer haemorrhage after birth
. The researchers also found there was an increased need to resuscitate babies whose mother had experienced FGM, and the death rate among babies during and immediately after birth is also higher.
What are the different types of FGM?
- Type I – Clitoridectomy. Partial or total removal of the clitoris (a small, sensitive and erectile part of the female genitals) and/or the prepuce (the clitoral hood or fold of skin surrounding the clitoris).
- Type II – Excision. …
- Type III – Infibulation. …
- Type IV – Other.
What are possible signs and symptoms that FGM has been undertaken?
- Having difficulty walking, standing or sitting.
- Spending longer in the bathroom or toilet.
- Appearing quiet, anxious or depressed.
- Acting differently after an absence from school or college.
- Reluctance to go to the doctors or have routine medical examinations.
What are the long term effects of being maltreated as a child?
Maltreatment can cause victims to feel
isolation, fear, and distrust
, which can translate into lifelong psychological consequences that can manifest as educational difficulties, low self-esteem, depression, and trouble forming and maintaining relationships.
What is FGM in safeguarding?
FGM comprises of
all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genital organs
or any other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is most often carried out on young girls aged between infancy and 15 years old.
What are the signs of breast ironing?
- Unusual behaviour after an absence from school or college including depression, anxiety, aggression, becoming withdrawn.
- Reluctance in undergoing medical examinations.
What is the law on FGM?
FGM is
a criminal offence
. It is a form of violence against women and girls, and in the latter case it is child abuse. All CPS decisions – whether to charge or to advise no further action (NFA) – must be approved by a Director of Legal Services and all cases notified to the DLS Team upon receipt from the police.
