What is female genital mutilation?
Female genital mutilation, or FGM, is a serious form of child abuse. It is a cultural practice that is prevalent in a number of African, Asian and Middle Eastern countries, as well as in diasporas from these countries around the world, including in the UK. According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, up to 24,000 girls in the UK under the age of 15 are at risk of FGM. The age at which girls are subjected to FGM is usually around puberty, but can range from birth to adulthood. Cultural reasons for which parents may choose to subject a girl to FGM include that it will bring the family and the girl status and respect; it will preserve her virginity or chastity; or that it will increase her chances of marriage.
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