Welsh Government
Printable version

Health summit to equip the Welsh NHS to tackle FGM

The Welsh Government is holding a workshop with healthcare professionals to establish the best ways of identifying women and girls at risk of, or already affected by, female genital mutilation (FGM). 

The Tackling FGM in NHS Wales Summit was held in Cathays Community Centre (Wednesday 10th September) from 10am until 4pm.

The workshop is designed to establish solutions to the problem, and is specifically aimed at leading health practitioners. Attending will be professional leads in the areas of FGM, Safeguarding Named and Designated Professionals, Health Visiting, School Nurses, Midwifery, Designated Professionals and NHS Wales Informatics Service (NWIS). Joining them will be professional leads in Mental Health and in Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics.

The day will work towards establishing a robust mechanism by which FGM can be identified, recorded, reported and treated from the NHS Wales perspective by those closest to potential victims, and women and girls who have already been affected by FGM.

Minister for Local Government and Government Business, Lesley Griffiths AM said:

“This workshop will ensure we build a consistent approach to not only treating the women and girls who have already fallen victim to this heinous crime, but identifying and protecting those still at risk.

“FGM is often hidden from view and shrouded in secrecy.  It has devastating physical and psychological consequences, which are long lasting, ruining the lives of those affected and impacting on their families.

“Tackling FGM by raising awareness of the practice and supporting survivors is a core part of achieving our aim of ending violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence in Wales.

“The Welsh Government will not tolerate the practice of FGM and we must all commit to zero tolerance of FGM.  It is child abuse, it is a crime and it is a violation of human rights I am confident together we can make a real difference.”

If you would like to follow proceedings and participate in the day, you can get involved on Twitter using the hashtags #endFGM and #NHSWales

Channel website: http://gov.wales

Share this article

Latest News from
Welsh Government

Free, Secure, Compliant UK Public Sector IT Recycling Service