Australian FGM Hotline launched

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No FGM Australia, September 16th, 2015

CALL 1800 522 707 IF YOU ARE IN DANGER OF FGM OR IF YOU KNOW OF A GIRL IN DANGER OF FGM

A new FGM Hotline was launched today to help girls who may be in danger of female genital mutilation (FGM).

FGM, also known as female genital cutting or female circumcision, is a centuries old traditional practice which involves the coercive removal of little girls’ genitalia. It is considered a violation of human rights and a form of violence against girls. It has no benefits, only harm. FGM is practiced in 29 countries in Africa, in several Middle Eastern countries and Asian countries including Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Malaysia and Singapore. Many people have moved to Australia from countries that are affected by FGM.

The practice of FGM continues after arrival in Australia. Anecdotal evidence of girls being taken from Australia to FGM affected countries is rife, and there are practitioners working illegally in backyard operations in our own cities. Currently there is a case in NSW of two girls who were ‘circumcised” in Sydney lounge rooms. No FGM Australia estimate that there are 5,640 girls in Australia who are in high risk of FGM. There are also 1,100 girls born every year who may also be in high danger of being subjected to FGM. That is 3 girls a day born in Australia who are at risk of significant harm.

Sometimes people know about plans for a girl to be mutilated (“circumcised”), but they don’t know who to call or what to do, so girls remain vulnerable. Girls themselves may know they may be facing FGM but do not know what to do, or who to turn to. Girls and members of the community now have a dedicated FGM Hotline to call if they fear that they themselves or a girl they know are going to be either subjected to FGM in Australia, or taken overseas for FGM. The FGM hotline will be staffed by trained executives from the not-for-profit organisation No FGM Australia.

  • Read more here
  • CALL 1800 522 707 IF YOU ARE IN DANGER OF FGM OR IF YOU KNOW OF A GIRL IN DANGER OF FGM
By J Pope

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