CHARITIES working with victims of female genital mutilation (FGM) and Police Scotland have welcomed the Scottish Government’s national action plan aimed at putting a stop to the barbaric practice.
Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil said he was determined to eradicate FGM in Scotland and vowed to ensure healthcare professionals and teachers are better equipped to spot signs of girls and young women at risk.
He said FGM was an abuse of the human rights of women and girls, and a form of gender-based violence, and consigning it to history can only be achieved through prevention, protection and by providing services and support.
Neil set out key objectives in his action plan, which will build on a range of work already taking place across the country, including ensuring those who experience the trauma of FGM have access to mental health services.
He also wants a review of violence against women strategies so they include action to prevent the practice of FGM – and all social work, NHS boards and other healthcare agencies to have at least one expert in the field.
The plan was put together using in-depth research and reports on work in the communities, as well as gauging experience of other countries and speaking to women who have been or are at risk.
Neil made the announcement during a visit to Glasgow Rape Crisis, which runs a Scottish Government-backed FGM partnership programme, in collaboration with other organisations like the Scottish Refugee Council, Darf and Women’s Support.
Neil said: “FGM is an unacceptable and illegal practice, a form of violence against women and a violation of human rights. It has absolutely no place in Scotland or anywhere else.
“We are committed to working together to do everything possible to tackle this issue, but recognise there is no easy solution to achieve this.
“That’s why I’m pleased to announce measures in this action plan that are aimed at identifying and taking action against perpetrators, as well as changing attitudes and behaviours to keep women and children safe and well.”
Isabelle Kerr, who is manager at Rape Crisis Glasgow, welcomed the plan and said the support from the Scottish Government has meant the charity can focus its work on survivors, giving them vital face-to-face support. It has also enabled it to set up a group last week which already helps at least 10 women.
She said: “This is giving women the chance to come together and support each other, and has also given us the chance to work with the women on building confidence and self-esteem, on their health and wellbeing, and on managing the symptoms of their trauma. The partnership has been invaluable to us.”
Malcolm Graham, Police Scotland’s assistant chief constable and executive lead for major crime and public protection, said the police were committed to “ensuring the safety of any child, young person or adult identified who may be at risk of FGM”.
He added: “Police Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government’s national action plan to prevent and eradicate FGM.
“It is a comprehensive and ambitious plan for addressing this complex and often hidden abuse.
“Police Scotland is committed to providing a professional and consistent approach to all victims of FGM and ensuring the safety of any child, young person or adult identified who may be at risk of FGM, in partnership with Scottish Government, our statutory and voluntary partners and our local communities.
“We will thoroughly investigate all reports received and pursue information which may lead to identifying any person as being involved in performing or arranging FGM."
Meanwhile, Girlguiding Scotland is backing the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts’ (WAGGGS) Stop the Violence campaign, to encourage girls and young women to lobby for changes in legislation and attitudes to stop all forms of violence against women and girls.
Denise King, chief executive of Girlguiding Scotland, said: “FGM is a fundamental violation of girls’ and women’s human rights which sadly still affects millions around the globe.
“We believe it’s important to empower girls and young women to raise their voices against this abhorrent practice – that’s why we’re backing the Stop the Violence campaign to call for an end to FGM and all other ways of hurting and controlling women and girls.”
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