Harmful practices: advice and support
Things to look out for if you or someone you know is at risk of forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), or 'honour'-based abuse (HBA):
- School truancy, or not being allowed to work
- Low motivation when at work or school
- Lack of engagement extracurricular, or social, activities
- Self-harm
- Mental health concerns, such as depression
- Reports of domestic abuse at home
- Missing young people reported in the family in the past
- A family history of forced marriage or FGM
- Parents announcing they will be taking a child out of the country for a prolonged period
Advice
Contact Refuge to speak to someone about your options on 0800 408 1552.
Karma Nirvana is a national charity supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage. Its helpline is on 0800 5999 247.
The National FGM Centre aims to keep children and young people safe from FGM and other harmful practices. You can call it on 0208 498 7137.
Support
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust Clinics
Operating a service for women and girls who have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) - the service is run by Specialist Lead Midwife Alison Byrne who has more than 20 years’ experience within this field.
There are two clinics operating – one for pregnant women and one for non-pregnant women.
Pregnant Women
The clinic for pregnant women is held in the Maternity Department at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick. Community or antenatal midwives will refer women into this particular clinic.
Non-Pregnant Women
The clinic for non-pregnant women is held at Summerfield Primary Care Centre, in Heath Street, Winson Green, which is near the Midland Met. Women can self-refer or be referred by their GP. Alternatively anyone can refer a woman to the clinic or you can self refer using the email address below.
The clinics confirm FGM if women are unsure they’ve experienced it, provide any medical interventions needed, and also provide counselling, therapy and aftercare.
You can refer by emailing swbh.summerfieldfgm@nhs.net, and find more information on the Summerfield Primary Care Centre website.