More work is needed to help professionals understand new FGM reporting duties, according to a survey from Barnardo’s which reveals widespread confusion about imminent changes to the law.
The charity says this underlines the need for detailed training and guidance on the changes to the Serious Crime Act, expected to come into force this month, which require professionals to report ‘known’ cases of FGM to the police – visually confirmed or revealed by a girl affected.
More than half of professionals surveyed say they need more information about the duty, and 17 per cent report that they do not understand the duty at all. Even those who feel they understand the reporting requirements “very well” are unclear on key aspects of the changes, with seven in ten professionals wrongly thinking that the new duty also covers girls at risk of FGM.
The survey also reveals gaps in professional understanding of how to support victims or potential victims of FGM, with one in three of those surveyed unsure where a woman or girl should go for support and advice. With 18 per cent of professionals questioned having come across a victim of FGM as part of their work, it is clear that more training is needed to ensure that women and girls are not left unsupported.
The survey was undertaken in the run up to the first conference on Mandatory Reporting of FGM, on Tuesday 20th October 2015. The conference will be hosted by the National FGM Centre, run by Barnardo’s and Local Government Association (LGA), and will go through the duty in detail.
Karen Bradley MP, Minister for Preventing Abuse and Exploitation will be speaking at the event, along with FGM campaigners and industry professionals. Tickets are available on https://v1.bookwhen.com/nfgmc
Celia Jeffrey’s, Head of the National FGM Centre, said:
“Every professional who works with children needs to know about FGM, so girls can be protected from this very harmful practice.
“But there is still a lot of confusion in the sector. Many have not had training or the support to know what the new duty means for them or how to protect and support girls.
“We are committed to fill this gap and will provide resources and training to professionals to know exactly what to do when presented with FGM.”
