Christmas is usually a happy time for children and families. However, for a small number of girls in our society, the holidays present a time of vulnerability and greater risk of harm with the threat of being taken abroad to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM).

FGM is a term given to all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitals, or other injury to female genital organs. It is practised in some parts of the world, but it is without any medical basis and can cause long-lasting damage to physical and mental health. The procedure is dangerous, illegal and a serious form of child abuse. Sadly, it is an issue for some children across the UK and more needs to be done to stamp it out.

FGM is a real danger to many young girls – Belfast Telegraph