We’re committed to protecting girls and young women from female genital mutilation (FGM) and other harmful practices.
That’s why we established the National FGM Centre, to prevent it, raise awareness, and support those affected.
If you think a girl may be in immediate danger, call 999 and explain that you are concerned about a possible case of FGM.
What is female genital mutilation?
FGM refers to the partial or total removal of a woman or girl’s external genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, for non-medical reasons (World Health Organisation, 2025)
You may have heard other terms used, such as “female circumcision” or “cutting,” or it may be referred to differently within your community. Regardless of the name, FGM causes long-lasting physical and emotional harm.
FGM can take place anywhere, including in the UK, and can affect girls from a wide range of backgrounds. It often occurs under pressure from cultural, social, or community expectations, and may be linked to ideas of ‘honour’, purity or family tradition.
It is illegal in the UK and recognised internationally as a serious violation of human rights and a form of child abuse. It can impact a woman or girl’s physical and emotional health, both in the short- and long-term.
FGM can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening complications, including:
-
Severe and ongoing pain.
-
Infections and sepsis.
-
Difficulty urinating or menstruating.
-
Problems during pregnancy or childbirth.
-
Psychological trauma, anxiety, and depression.
The effects may not always be immediate; many women and girls experience long-term or hidden consequences that impact their health and wellbeing well into adulthood.
FGM is one example of a harmful practice that can impact children and young people. Other examples include forced and early marriage, breast flattening, ‘honour’-based abuse, spirit possession, witchcraft, and ritualistic abuse.
For more information about FGM or other harmful practices, visit the National FGM Centre website where you can find more information, including videos, animations, podcasts, e-learning materials, toolkits, research and guidance for communities and multi-agency professionals.
What should I do if I’m worried a child might be at risk of FGM?
If you are concerned that a girl may be at imminent risk, call 999 and explain that you are concerned about a possible case of FGM.
If you are concerned but the risk is not immediate the NSPCC has a FGM helpline for advice, information, and support if you're worried a child might be at risk of, or has experienced, female genital mutilation (FGM). You can call them on 0800 0283 550 or email [email protected].
You can also contact the child’s social care team at their local council.
You can apply for a FGM protection order. There's information about FGM protection orders on the National FGM Centre’s website.
Where to go if you need support
-
If you are a parent or carer, have experienced FGM or are in need of support for FGM, there are counselling and advocacy support services available via NHS FGM support clinics across the UK.
-
Your doctor: They may be able to refer you to specialists who can support you.
-
There are resources and information on the National FGM Centre website.
How do Barnardo’s support with FGM?
We established the National FGM Centre in 2015 to change the ways services work for children and their families who are affected by FGM. Our aim is to prevent new cases, protect children and young people, support those affected by FGM and other harmful practices, including breast flattening and spirit possession, witchcraft, and ritualistic abuse, with the goal of ending new cases of FGM by 2030. We partner with others to deliver services and learn.
We have worked on over 900 cases between Sept 2015 and July 2025 nationally and have supported the application of over 50 FGM Protection Orders during this time.
Visit the National FGM Centre website to learn more.
Children affected by domestic abuse
Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on entire families. If you think a child is being affected by domestic abuse there are steps you can take to help them feel safe and supported, and services that can guide you through what to do next.
Self-harm: what parents and carers need to know
If your child is self-harming, or you’re worried they might be, it’s completely natural to feel frightened, upset, or unsure about what to do. We’ve got advice on warning signs you should look out for, how you can support someone, and where to find professional help.
Think your child is feeling anxious?
It’s hard watching your child struggle. If you’re wondering how best to help them, we’ve got advice on what anxiety in children and young people can look like, how to support them, and where and when to turn for professional help.
All of the information on this page was created with practising health professionals. This page was reviewed in December 2025. We will next review the page in 2028.