Female genital mutilation in children presenting to a London safeguarding clinic: a case series (2016)
This study is a Exploratory research regarding I,II,IV FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Hodes D, Armitage A, Robinson K, Creighton SM
FGM/C Type(s): I,II,IV
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To describe the presentation and management of children referred with suspected female genital mutilation (FGM) to a UK safeguarding clinic
Study Population: Children,Women
Findings: Of the 47 girls referred,27 (57%) had confirmed FGM. According to the WHO classification of genital findings,FGM type 1 was found in 2 girls,type 2 in 8 girls and type 4 in 11 girls. No type 3 FGM was seen. The circumstances of FGM were known in 17 cases,of which 12 (71%) were performed by a health professional or in a medical setting (medicalisation). Ten cases were potentially illegal,yet despite police involvement there have been no prosecutions. The study also demonstrated significant medicalisation of FGM,which matches recent trends in international data. Type 4 FGM performed in infancy is easily missed on examination and so vigilance in assessing children with suspected FGM is essential.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Northern Europe
Country(ies):United Kingdom