Fgm

[emmie]

its truly appalling, and these are the ones they know about, and only in the capital, so how many more across the country. how on earth can a parent allow this to happen to their child.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-26639542

[sp1814]

emmie

This is not a criticism AT ALL...please believe me when I say this, but...what are you doing about FGM?

I've worked with victims of FGM, over the past five years, and have taken an active part in the campaign against this horrific practice.

What are you doing?

I've just re-read what I've written, and it looks horribly aggressive - I don't mean it to be...but what are you doing?

[pixie373]

It must be intentional cruelty, lg. It's not accidental. It's not even a matter of ignorance- anyone can imagine it. They should be prosecuted.

[sp1814]

But seriously...apart from AB, what are people actually doing?

I used to find I.t quite frustrating when I worked in Peckham with women who had gone through this 'procedure'. I really want to find out - are people willing to spend time working with these women, who ABSOLUTELY need our support...or does it just end with a post on AnswerBank.

Because seriously...posting a few messages here makes *** all difference.

[DaisyNonna]

sp Refer back to my post 19.37, I did ask what I (we) could do. You did not reply.

[naomi24]

SP, you worked with the victims of FGM - may I ask in what respect?

[LazyGun]

@Pixie "It must be intentional cruelty, lg. It's not accidental. It's not even a matter of ignorance- anyone can imagine it. They should be prosecuted."

Those who participate in this, who send their daughters to have this procedure done - at "cutting parties", or who send them abroad to circumvent the law or because they know of someone back home - I simply do not believe they believe they are being intentionally or deliberately cruel to their children, despite the fact that it obviously is. Some may not wish it but feel impelled by family/tradition/culture.

That is because of the cultural conditioning, which portrays FGM as a positive or necessary practice.The only way this is going to eradicated in the UK is to tighten up on policing and legislation over here and support and encourage education and awareness initiatives in those communities here where this type of practice is more common.

Globally speaking, prevention has to be through education and outreach. How else do you think it will be ended?

[ludwig]

// But seriously...apart from AB, what are people actually doing? //

Perhaps people aren't sure what they can do. What would you suggest?

[sandyRoe]

I wasn't taking the P in my post of 19:43. It's just that I'd forgotten there are two in 'lopped'.

[LazyGun]

@Sandy Still not entirely sure I understand your suggestion though, Sandy. You appear to advocating the notion that we punish barbarism with - state-sanctioned barbarism, ie "lopping off noses".

Is that really the way you want to go?

[sandyRoe]

No, of course not. I occasionally bring to the keyboard the stresses and anger of my world outside AB.
The answer to this will be in education and some degree of criminal sanction against parents who have it done to their daughters.

[whiskeryron]

http://www.uv.es/cefd/17/Johnsdotter.pdf

[LazyGun]

@WR An excellent link and an interesting read, WR. Thanks.

[whiskeryron]

European Parliament resolution of 24 March 2009 on combating female genital mutilation in the EU (2008/2071(INI)):

The European Parliament has recommended that women and girls who are granted asylum because of the threat of FGM should, as a preventative measure, have regular health check-ups to protect them from any threat of FGM being carried out subsequently in the EU.

The European Parliament, …

4. Insists that women and girls who are granted asylum in the EU because of the threat of FGM should as a preventive measure have regular check-ups by health authorities and/or doctors, to protect them from any threat of FGM being carried out subsequently in the EU; considers that this measure would be in no way discriminatory against these women and girls, but a way to ensure that FGM is banned in the EU;

5. Calls for this overall strategy to be accompanied by educational programmes and the organisation of national and international awareness raising campaigns; …

[China Doll]

But seriously...apart from AB, what are people actually doing?

Morning Splat,

I manage a service in a hospital for for victims of child sexual abuse which incorporates victims of FGM as well; my consultant is quite specialised and well known in her field and I'm very proud to work with her and the rest of our team. In what capacity did you work with FGM victims in Peckham? I would be interested in hearing about that.

I absolutely agree with you re your point and would take it further that for every 'hang 'em high' 'what were the social workers doing?' blah, blah, blah post I see regarding childhood abuse, my immediate thought is usually along the lines of you're a a great pontificator but what actually are you doing about it yourself. I think the same could probably be said for load of issues (such as animal rights) but I guess we all pick our particular issue, (if we have one).

I am considering at some point going to do some shadow/volunteer work at one of the Havens but that won't be for a while yet. Just to further my own knowledge really.