Minister welcomes NSPCC female genital mutilation helpline
NSPCC launches free 24 hour female genital mutilation (FGM) helpline.
The Home Office is supporting the launch of a new NSPCC helpline to help protect more children in the UK from mutilation.
FGM is illegal in Britain
Information gathered from calls to the NSPCC helpline will provide police and child protection agencies with intelligence so action can be taken against those who facilitate FGM against young girls.
Crime Prevention Minister Jeremy Browne said:
We need to ensure victims of female genital mutilation get the support they need and the new NSPCC helpline is a vital step towards eradicating this horrendous crime.
It builds on the work we have already undertaken through our violence against women and girls action plan to raise awareness, identify potential victims and prevent this form of child abuse.
The government has renewed its focus on protecting potential victims in the Violence Against Women and Girl’s Action Plan, placing prevention at the heart of its work.
The government has also launched a statement against FGM leaflet which outlines what FGM is, the legislation and penalties involved as well as information on the help and support available to victims and potential victims.
The leaflets will now include the new NSPCC helpline number.