Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is usually referred to as ‘female circumcision’ or ‘cut’ and is usually performed on girls before the turn 10 years. It can also be carried out on younger or older girls and adult women. FGM is most commonly practiced in African, the Middle East and Asia.
Cultures and Communities that practise FGM do so for the following reasons:
- Family honour
- Custom/tradition
- Rite of passage
- Social acceptance
- It preserves a girl’s virginity/chastity
Looking for an Expert?
At BlackWhite Solicitors Ltd, all FGM referrals and work are undertaken by a team of highly dedicated and qualified practitioners.
This team is lead and supervised by Ms. Yasmin Yassin, a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales. She did her Post Graduate specialization on FGM and has written extensively on FGM and how to help governments and families deal better with the complex issue of FGM.
What about funding?
Legal Aid may be available to you to be represented in relation to an application for a FGM Protection Order. You may also be eligible for Legal Aid as a Respondent where the matter is already at court. However, the ability to secure legal aid will depend on whether or not you meet the legal Aid Agency’s criteria because this area is Means & Merits Tested.
Please contact one of our experienced family solicitors who will be able to complete an assessment for you.