Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Solicitors
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a painful and harmful procedure that is illegal in the UK and is classed as child abuse. If you know a child is at risk of being subject to FGM, our specialist lawyers can help.
What is FGM?
FGM, also known as being cut or female circumcision, is where the female genitals are deliberately cut or changed, without medical reason. FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and puberty and often happens without their consent and against their will.
In some countries, female genital mutilation is performed by medical professionals, but often it is performed by individuals who do not have medical training and with the support of family members. In the UK, girls are often taken abroad to Africa, Asia or the Middle East for FGM.
As well as being painful, FGM can lead to long-term problems with intercourse, fertility and childbirth. It can also have a detrimental impact on a person’s mental health.
In the UK, it is an offence to:
- Perform FGM
- Take a child abroad for FGM
- Help anyone (including the girl) to perform female circumcision in the UK
- Fail to protect someone you are responsible for from FGM, e.g. your child
Why is FGM carried out?
Some cultures and religions believe that cutting has benefits such as preserving a girl’s virginity or making a girl more ‘marriageable’. Some communities even believe that those who have not undergone FGM are unhealthy and unclean.
How Barcan+Kirby’s FGM solicitors can help
If someone you know is at risk of FGM, you should first report it to the police as it is a criminal offence.
Our expert lawyers can assist in cases where one parent or another family member wishes to take a child abroad (or already has) for FGM and you need help in applying for a formal order to prevent this from happening.
We can apply to the court on your behalf for a Female Genital Mutilation Protection Order (FGMPO) that can protect the child against harm, or further harm.
Our team has proven experience in acting for victims of domestic abuse as well as advising families in care proceedings. Our specialist FGM lawyers offer empathy, support and practical advice to help you navigate this difficult time.
We advise people across the UK from our offices in Bristol and the surrounding area in Bedminster, Bishopston, Bristol city centre, Kingswood and Thornbury. Call us on 0117 325 2929 to see how we can help.
Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders
Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders (FGMPOs) came into place in 2015 to protect those at risk from FGM. An FGMPO can help if you or someone you know is at risk of FGM.
You can apply for an FGM Protection Order yourself, however, our FGM solicitors can apply for the Order on your behalf to take some of that stress away.
Our lawyers understand the cultural sensitivity in handling these cases. We understand that you may be hesitant to give evidence in court as the other party may be present. An interpreter can be present at the hearing to assist if English is not your first language. It is possible to request that you provide pre-recorded evidence, as well as other special measures to keep you separate from the other party during the hearing, but our team can discuss your concerns and put you at ease.
Female Genital Mutilation FAQs
A FGMPO will contain conditions tailored to your circumstances and needs and that best protect you and/or the child.
An application for a Female Genital Mutilation Protection Order can be made at the same time as a police investigation or criminal proceedings and can be put in place quickly.
A FGMPO can include:
- A requirement for the child’s passport or other travel documents to be surrendered.
- A requirement for specific people to be prohibited from entering into any agreement in the UK or overseas for FGM, e.g. the child’s parent(s) or family member if they are attempting to subject the child to female genital mutilation.
- A Power of Arrest is attached should the other party breach the order.
There is no court fee for applying for a Female Genital Mutilation Protection Order, and any legal fees associated with applying for an Order may be covered by Legal Aid. Our lawyers will be able to assess your eligibility during your first meeting.
The thought of a Female Genital Mutilation Protection Order being breached can be frightening. It is a criminal offence to breach an FGMPO.
Breaches are dealt with by the family and/or Criminal Courts and the maximum penalty for breaching an FGMPO is five years’ imprisonment.
Get in touch with our FGM lawyers
If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of FGM, our specialist solicitors can help.
Our Family team is top-ranked in legal guides, Chambers and Partners UK and Legal 500 UK for its expertise. We’re also members of the Law Society Family Law Panel and Children Law Panel.
For urgent help, call 0117 325 2929. You can also contact us via our online enquiry form, and a member of our team will get in touch.