Education key in fight against ritual abuse (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Education key in fight against ritual abuse

4:52pm Wednesday 25th July 2007 in

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A NURSE has called on education and health professionals across Waltham Forest to help tackle the problem of female genital mutilation (FGM).

Waltham Forest Primary Care Trust FGM specialist nurse Jennifer Bourne works at the African Well Women's Clinic, Kirkdale Road, Leytonstone, which provides advice on health issues arising from FGM.

Earlier this month the Guardian revealed that 1,000 women in Waltham Forest are likely to have experienced FGM, which can result in lifelong health problems.

Ms Bourne said protocols set out by the Waltham Forest Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) outline how people should recognise and deal with suspected FGM.

She said: "Education is key. Teachers may be the first people to pick up on the fact that a child is going away.

"They need to be aware of which groups practise FGM and there needs to be awareness of when a child is going on holiday for a long time, or going for a special celebration'.

"Parents should then be given information about FGM and about its harmful health consequences, and told that is against the law with a prison sentence of up to 14 years."

Ms Bourne said the recent campaign by the Met Police, who have put up a £20,000 reward for information that leads to an FGM prosecution, is a step in the right direction.

She said: "FGM has always been a taboo issue and this has got groups of people talking about it."

Ms Bourne is based at the African Well Women's Clinic, 7 Kirkdale Road, Leytonstone.

For information, call 8430 7382 or email jennifer.bourne@wf-pct. nhs.uk A woman has been arrested in east London on suspicion of arranging female genital mutilation (FGM).

The 36-year-old woman, arrested in Hackney, has been bailed to return to a north London police station on September 6.