Religious, social or cultural reasons are sometimes given for FGM. However, FGM is child abuse. It's dangerous and a criminal offence.

There are no medical reasons to carry out FGM. It doesn't enhance fertility and it doesn't make childbirth safer. It is used to control female sexuality and can cause severe and long-lasting damage to physical and emotional health.

From 31 October 2015 teachers, nurses, social workers and doctors must report FGM or suspected FGM where it involves a child under 18

Around the globe, 130 million girls and women have undergone FGM

In Africa 101 million girls aged 10 and over have been subjected to FGM.

In the UK it’s estimated that 65,000 girls are at risk each year.

Often young girls are taken out of the UK during school holidays for the procedure to be carried out, giving them time to heal and ensure that it goes unnoticed. This often happens during the summer holidays; a time often referred to as the 'cutting season'.

FGM is often performed with no anaesthetic and using unsterilized equipment.  As well as experiencing significant pain and trauma at the time (some girls die during the procedure) it can also cause issues in the future including problems having sex and giving birth.

FGM is illegal in the UK. It’s also illegal to take a British national or permanent resident abroad for FGM or to help someone trying to do this.

The maximum sentence for carrying out FGM or helping it to take place is 14 years in prison.