Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, has welcomed the progressive action being taken by Welsh Assembly Ministers in tackling Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Wales.
Mrs Evans said: “I, along with my fellow AMs, have received a copy of a letter which was sent by the Minister for Education and Skills, Huw Lewis AM, and the Minister for Local Government and Government Business, Lesley Griffiths AM, to all Head teachers in Wales to address the issue of FGM, detailing how working together Government and schools can put an end to this horrific child abuse.”
The letter copied to all Assembly Members the Ministers stressed the unique role schools can have in protecting girls from FGM. With up to 24,000 girls under the age of 15 at risk of FGM across the UK, Mrs Evans believes that it is imperative that school staff recognise the warning signs a child. School staff are often the most able to identifying potential victims and safeguarding young girls from FGM.
Mrs Evans has previously spoken out on the issue, highlighting the role of teaching staff.
She said: “Research shows that some teachers do not know that FGM is illegal in the UK – despite that being the case since 1985 – and others say that they do not view it as abuse. Many more say that they have received no safeguarding training on this issue, which is worrying because teachers may be best placed to recognise the warning signs of abuse. Girls may also feel more comfortable raising the issue with their teacher than with the police or health and social services practitioners.”
In their letter, Welsh Minsters highlighted that an all Wales protocol on FGM currently exists and stressed that it is essential that schools are fully aware of it and follow these arrangements.
The NSPCC has set up a specific helpline that anyone who is worried a child may be at risk of FGM. Calls can be made anonymously to the free 24 hour FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 or by emailing [email protected]. The NSPCC are also in a position to offer advice, information and support to anyone concerned a child’s welfare is at risk from FGM.
