Knowledge & Practice Hub

Female genital mutilation (FGM) knowledge and practice hub

Learning points

• Good practice in safeguarding girls from FGM, such as the use of protection orders and the national risk indication system.
• Signs that a girl could be at risk of FGM, either immediately or in the longer term, or that FGM has occurred.
• What social workers need to do if FGM has occurred, including the duty to report known cases involving under-18s to the police.

Case law and legislation

Children playing - cartoon

B and G (Children) (No 3) [2015] (FGM allegations, domestic violence) The judgement in this case cited that the council had not provided evidence to establish that child G either had been or was at risk of FGM, so it could not be taken into account in the final ruling.

Birmingham City Council v Sarfraz Riaz and Others (2015) The judgement in this case cited recent amendments to the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, which inserted automatic lifelong anonymity protection for any victim of FGM.

Author

hekate papadaki hub

Hekate Papadaki is the head of Knowledge Hub, policy and engagement at the Barnardo’s National FGM Centre.

She has produced the guide for social work professionals, FGM quiz, and Learn on your Lunch case study.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, do let us know.