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by Our News Desk
BRITAIN’S first ever FGM protection order was secured by police yesterday — banning two “at-risk” girls of travelling to Africa.
Bedfordshire Police obtained the female genital mutilation protection order under a new law which came into force yesterday.
The law allows authorities to seize the passports of those suspected of planning to take girls abroad for mutilation.
Breaching the order is a criminal offence.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Bellingham, of the force’s Public Protection Unit, said: “This legislation is a really positive step forward in the fight against this horrific, cruel crime and we’re pleased to have been able to enforce it today by issuing a protection order.
“With schools breaking up for the summer holidays today, we will continue to use this legislation where needed to prevent young girls who we believe may be at risk from being taken out of the country.
“This is child abuse and we will do everything in our power to ensure that children are kept safe and that those responsible are caught.”
The order was made at a court in Bedfordshire and prevented the travel of two young girls who police believe may have been at risk of being taken to Africa and mutilated.
FGM is a procedure that sees the partial or total removal of the external female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
It is estimated that more than 20,000 girls under the age of 15 in Britain are at risk each year, yet very few cases are reported.
Signs that FGM may have taken place on a child include a lengthy absence from school, health problems including bladder and menstrual issues, complaints about pain between the legs and behavioural changes.
A child may also talk about being taken away for a special ceremony or say something has happened to them which they are not allowed to talk about.
Mr Bellingham added: “A change in law isn’t in itself enough to end this barbaric practice. I’d urge anyone who suspects that a child is at risk of FGM to contact police immediately.”
- Anyone seeking more help and information about FGM is asked to contact police on 101, or the NSPCC on (0800) 028-3550 — a dedicated FGM helpline.
