Slough Borough Council have pledged their support for the #EndFGM campaign.

6 February marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) day which raises awareness of the support available to anyone affected by FGM. Since the Female Genital Mutilation Act was introduced in 2003, there has only been one prosecution related to FGM.

The council are working closely with several local groups including Slough Integration Service, East Berkshire CCG and Frimley Health Care Foundation Trusts to raise awareness in the local community of FGM’s legal implications and impact on victims.

The partners are also working to support women who have had the procedure carried out in their country of origin. In addition, advice and training is being given to practitioners to ensure they can identify and protect children who may be at risk of FGM.

Councillor Pavitar K Mann, cabinet member for consumer protection and regulation, said: “We want to make sure we do everything we can to stop this barbaric practice happening to girls and women in Slough. This is why we are supporting the #EndFGM campaign.

“Not only it is illegal, it inflicts severe pain and causes health and fertility complications for women later in life. It is a violation of the human rights of girls and women and has to stop, now.”

If you or anyone you know has been affected by FGM or any other harmful practice, a range of organisations that can provide help and advice are listed on the Slough Family Services website.