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Telephone the police on 999. Explain that you are worried a child is being taken to the airport to leave the county so that FGM can be performed. The police will alert airport police to prevent their departure and then work with social services to protect the child.
Call your local social services team. The team may be part of a “MASH”, Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, or called Children’s Social Care. Click on the poster links below to find the number in your area. Tell a teacher – a friend that you trust could come with you.
Tell the border control officers at the airport. For example, while your family’s baggage is being checked, alert the airport staff that you are worried about your safety and you need to speak to someone alone.
Call the NSPCC FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 for more information or email them at fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk.
You should contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office if you or someone you know has already been taken abroad:
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
| Telephone: | 020 7008 1500 |
| From overseas: | +44 (0)20 7008 1500 |
Call your local social services team or Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on the number in the poster for your area:
0800 028 3550 (FGM Helpline) – a free 24hr service for advice, information or support.
Email: fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk
020 8960 4000
FORWARD is a leading UK charity working to tackle FGM of African girls and women. They will support anyone concerned about FGM.
Visit their website at www.forwarduk.org.uk
You can get information from the Home Office that might help you argue against FGM.
You can obtain a small leaflet to carry with you about the UK law in various languages on tel. 0870 241 4680. Or you can download the leaflet in English here.
There is also a Home Office leaflet about the facts that may help you explain why you or someone you know should not be cut. You can download the leaflet here.
For further information contact FGMEnquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
+44 (0) 20 7008 1500
Call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office if you are abroad and need help or advice.
0800 11 11 (this number will not show up on a phone bill). You can also email the counsellor on the Childline website.
The most important thing to know is that you can get help to stay safe – you don’t have to try and cope with this on your own.
NHS Choices provides practical advice and information about FGM.
