Indicators of risk

The key indicators that a girl or young woman is potentially at risk of FGM are:
  • One or both parents come from an ethnic group that traditionally practices FGM
  • Her mother has had FGM

BUT do not assume that all women who have experienced FGM or all men from affected communities will support the practice.

The girl should be viewed as at increased risk if:
  • An older sister has had FGM
  • Female cousins of a similar age have undergone FGM
  • The mother (and / or father) has requested re-infibulation following delivery
  • The parents express views which show that they value the practice
  • The girl is withdrawn from all teaching classes on Personal, Social or Health Education
  • The level of integration within UK society is also significant. It is believed that communities less integrated into British society are more likely to continue the practice

Different ethnic groups carry out FGM for different reasons, and at different ages. Parents in communities affected by FGM will believe that it is the right thing to do and that it is part of being a responsible parent. In working to protect girls it is very important to find out the reasons why FGM is carried out in her community / ethnic group, and the age at which it is arranged. If a girl is viewed as potentially at risk then there should be increased monitoring and support around the age at which FGM is traditionally carried out in her family / ethnic group.
Practitioners should aim to support parents in resisting any pressure from their family or wider community. In some areas arranging FGM is regarded as a community responsibility and it is possible that community leaders may arrange FGM without the parents knowledge or consent. Signs that a girl is at imminent risk of FGM could include:
  • A girl is withdrawn from school to allow for an extended holiday, or a girl talks about a long trip planned during the school summer holidays.
  • A girl may talk about “something special happening”, or that there will be “a big party” or “she is going to be a woman soon”
  • If forced marriage is suspected or known then risk of FGM should also be addressed where the girl comes from a group that traditionally practices FGM.
  • There is no evidence to date that FGM takes place in Scotland but it is possible that families may arrange for FGM to happen here or elsewhere in the UK. It is thought that a visit from a female family elder is an indicator of risk, particularly when she is visiting from the country of origin.

Information

FGM Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines
​Please see pages 38-41 of attachment for more information on risk indicators.