Violence against Woman and Girls (VAWG)

Question 1

What is the definition of FGM?

Answer 1

Female Genital Mutilation - All procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia

Question 2

What are the effects on health and normal bodily functions of FGM?

Answer 2

Short-term effects:

• Severe pain & shock
• Infection
• Injury to adjacent tissues
• Sprains, dislocations broken bones from being restrained

Long-term effects:

• Urine retention
• Problems with menstruation
• Uterine, vaginal and pelvic infections
• Cysts & neuromas
• Complications in pregnancy & childbirth
• Sexual dysfunction

Question 3

Who is at risk of FGM?

Answer 3

Girls (most common age is between 4-10) and young woman in Africa and Middle East associated with particular ethnic groups (muslims)

Question 4

What is the law in Scotland on FGM?

Answer 4

Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005:

It is illegal to perform female genital mutilation

Question 5

What is the Scottish government doing to eradicate FGM?

Answer 5

• The Scottish government have implamented a National Action plan to prevent and eradicate FGM
• Scottish refugee council and London school of hygiene and tropical medicine have been working together since 2014 to prevent FGM