THE LAW

FGM and the law

FGM is a crime in Scotland and throughout the UK.

In Scotland it is illegal under the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the practice is illegal under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003.

It is also against the law to take a girl abroad for FGM. A UK national or permanent UK resident is guilty of a crime if they carry out FGM outside Scotland. It is also a crime for a person to assist or arrange the FGM of another person, even if the actual FGM occurs outside Scotland.

The Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Act 2020 aims to strengthen the legal protection of those at risk of FGM, including allowing for FGM Protection Orders. Implementation of the Act and issuing updated multi-agency guidance has been delayed and is now expected to happen by summer 2026.

To date there have been no prosecutions in Scotland but it is believed that the practice continues in the UK, as well as girls resident in the UK being taken abroad for the purpose of FGM.

Anyone found guilty of an FGM offence, or of aiding and abetting such an offence, faces a penalty of up to 14 years in prison, or a fine, or both.

If you are concerned about a girl at risk of FGM and it is an emergency situation you should dial 999 and ask for the Police. Police Scotland has officers with special responsibility for FGM, and they are available to provide information in non-emergency situations. In this case, call 101, the national non-emergency police number and ask to be put through to the Divisional Public Protection Unit.

FGM Aware is a project from the Women's Support Project

The Women’s Support Project works to end violence against women. Based in Glasgow, we work across Scotland to raise awareness of the root causes, extent, and impact of male violence and for improved services for those affected. Key themes include addressing unmet need and emerging issues, making links between different forms of violence and abuse, and supporting multiagency and partnership approaches. Our work is informed by an understanding of links and overlaps between different forms of violence, discrimination and oppression.

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