Safeguarding Bulletin: June 2023

Welcome to the latest edition of The Golden Thread Alliance Safeguarding Bulletin.

Firstly I would like to thank those of you who took the time to complete the survey in the previous bulletin. I understand that the first bulletin may not have reached everyone, and I have therefore attached it to this email for your perusal. I have kept the survey open so that you are able to give feedback on safeguarding knowledge in your setting and help shape the content of this bulletin in the future so that it caters to your needs. You can complete the survey here; https://forms.office.com/e/rUvrJwaeFg.

This bulletin is sent via email on the first Wednesday of each term, for you to read at a time that is convenient to you.

In this term’s newsletter we will cover Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This is a graphic and sensitive subject, and you may find the content discussed in this bulletin upsetting. Please take care of yourself and be mindful of your surroundings when viewing this email. Be sure to take time to reflect on the material and speak to another adult

Thank you for taking the time to read this bulletin and for all the work that you do to keep our children safe. I hope that you find the information useful.

If you have any questions, queries, or suggestions for bulletins in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Debbie Clarke-Basrai
Trust Safeguarding Officer

01322 296144
debbie.clarke-basrai@golden-thread.org
www.golden-thread.org

Please note that FGM subject matter is graphic and sensitive in nature, which you may find upsetting. Please take care when viewing this content in your setting, and remember to look after yourself and speak to another adult should you need to.

What is FGM?

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. FGM is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15. FGM is a form of child abuse, and a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It is estimated that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM. In the UK it is estimated that around 137,000 women have undergone FGM, and that 65,000 girls aged 13 and under are at risk of FGM. The practice of FGM is illegal in the UK, it is also illegal to take girls who are UK nationals or UK residents abroad for FGM, regardless of whether or not it is lawful in that country.

FGM is often referred to as ‘cutting’, ‘female circumcision’, ‘initiation’, ‘Sunna’ and ‘infibulation’. There are 4 categories 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

Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the inner labia, with or without excision of the outer labia (the labia are the ‘lips’ that surround the vagina).

Type III – Infibulation

Narrowing of the vaginal opening by creating a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the inner or outer labia, with or without removal of the clitoris.

Type IV – Other

All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterising (burning) the genital area.

What are the health consequences of FGM?

The implications of FGM are varied and can include;

• Death
• Sever pain and shock
• Wounds or broken limbs from being held down
• Injury to adjacent tissues
• Urine retention
• Increased risk of HIV and AIDS
• Uterus, vaginal and pelvic infections
• Cysts and neuromas
• Increased risk of fistula (an abnormal passageway in the body)
• Complications in childbirth
• Depression and post-natal depression
• Psychosexual problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Difficulties in menstruation
• Infertility

You may wish to watch this short video, developed by the National FGM Centre, with survivors of FGM talking about the impact that this has had on their lives.

Why do people practice FGM?

Many affected communities believe that FGM is a necessary custom to ensure that a girl is accepted within the community and eligible for marriage.

Families who practice FGM on girls usually see it as a way of safeguarding their future.

Other reasons include:

• Perceived health benefits
• Preservation of the girl’s virginity
• Cleanliness
• Rite of passage into woman-hood
• Status in the community
• Protection of family honour
• Perceived religious justifications There are no religions that advocate for FGM.

UK communities most at risk include Kenyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Sierra Leonean, Egyptian, Nigerian and Eritrean. Non-African countries that practise FGM include Yemen, Afghanistan, Kurdistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Thailand (South) and Pakistani. Please note this list is not exhaustive.

How can we identify girls who are at risk?

It is important to note that girls are particularly at risk during the summer holidays, and therefore we must be extra vigilante on spotting the signs this term.

If you are concerned that a child is at risk of FGM, you must discuss your concerns with your Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.

If you feel that the content of this bulletin has impacted you in any way, please reach out to another adult to talk it through, or refer to the employee assistance programme.