FORWARD welcomes new UK Government legislation

FORWARD welcomes the decision by the UK government to make reporting of all cases of FGM a legal requirement.

It is imperative that all professionals with safeguarding responsibilities are vigorously encouraged to take protective action where there are concerns that girls may be at risk or may be affected by FGM.

FORWARD is concerned that only 3 categories of professionals (teachers, regulated health and social care professionals) will be covered by the impending legislation (as reported in the media). The legislation should cover all professionals in any field who may come into contact with girls from FGM affected communities, in order to ensure that as many girls as possible are being protected by the new law.

It is important that communities are also brought into the protection circle. Communities must embrace the need to protect their daughters, sisters, nieces, cousins etc. With communities, professionals and NGO’s working together we can ensure that girls can live free of this form of violence.