A RANGE of new resources to help healthcare professionals understand the needs of FGM survivors are being launched online as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the issue.
A new training video has been published by NHS Choices to highlight the specific mental health needs of victims of female genital mutilation. And next month Health Education England will be launching more e-learning materials looking at the mental health impacts of the practice.
The move follows the recent International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, and a “prevention week of action” organised by the Department of Health (DoH).
There are currently 60,000 girls aged 0 to 14 years living in the UK who are potentially at risk of FGM.
Public health minister Jane Ellison said the DoH had taken steps to identify the number of FGM survivors being treated by the NHS, and that training was being provided for thousands of frontline professionals in caring for and protecting girls from FGM.
“The next step is to make sure that survivors are aware of and have access to the right mental health support,” she said. “So we are working with professionals, campaigners and survivors to plan how to deliver and embed these services in the health system.”
- Watch the NHS Choices video on FGM and mental health
- Access Department of Health resources on FGM prevention, reporting and patient support
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
Save this article
Save this article to a list of favourite articles which members can access in their account.
Save to library