The First Female Genital Mutilation Clinic for Girls Opens in UK [View all]

[Liberal_in_LA]

In the UK alone, more than 60,000 girls are at risk or suffering from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), according to a new report. The study, done by Equality Now and City University London, prompted the University College Hospital Clinic to open a monthly service dedicated to helping girls who are dealing with the ramifications of this practice.

It aims to both educate and council, with a focus on girls under the age of 18. Statistics have shown that if families are educated about the practice, it could save younger siblings from FGM. Although FGM clinics do exist in the UK, this will be the first one primarily devoted to minors.

It will work closely with families, social services and law enforcement. Referrals as well as surgery, when necessary, will be offered.

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One woman, who agreed to speak about her experience with FGM, is a successful, modern 27-year-old living in the UK. A daughter of Eritrean immigrants, she was ‘nicked’ when she was a child. “You know the worst thing,” she says, “Is people assuming I’m somehow broken because of this. There is a stigma surrounding it and I rarely bring it up with boyfriends because of that. They all assume I’m defiled and ruined…I don’t need pity though.” She related that she still enjoys sexual activity and can achieve orgasm. “I am still a whole person; not defined by this.”

She said she would never perform the same ritual on her daughter, but holds no ill will towards her parents for what they did. “It was cultural, and they didn’t know any better. If there had been someone to explain to them why it was wrong, or even unnecessary, they probably wouldn’t have done it. It’s a matter of educating people.”

This is exactly what the FGM clinic for girls is hoping to achieve. While many within the west see FGM as unimaginable, the point of the clinic is not to shame or castigate, but simply to help parents and children who are grappling with this issue. It hopes that by treating the youngest subjected to FGM, and opening a dialogue, they can stem the tide of this practice for future generations.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/the-first-female-genital-mutilation-clinic-for-girls-opens-in-uk.html#ixzz3ENWMD0sJ