Press Release: James Cleverly AM Recommends FORWARD’s Greenwich School Programme

James Cleverly AM recommends FORWARD’s Greenwich School Programme and asks whether reporting of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) should be a statutory obligation.

At the Police and Crime Committee today, James Cleverly AM asked if the reporting of FGM should be statutory obligation for health and education professionals. James also asked how the good practice being carried out in three schools in Greenwich could be extended.

Commenting, Mr Cleverly said,

*“FGM is a form of child abuse which inflicts a lifetime of physical and psychological damage. Worryingly, the number of reported cases in London has risen over the last few years.”*

*“Only a few decades ago we tiptoed around, and effectively ignored, certain crimes such as domestic violence. We must not continue to do the same with FGM.*

*“FGM must be seen as part and parcel of safeguarding young people. Professionals in the education and health services should receive statutory training and we need to see closer working with the communities involved. There is some good work being carried out by FORWARD in Greenwich and I hope that this good practice is extended in London.”*