Female genital mutilation (FGM) is also known as "cutting" or "female circumcision". It is a long-standing tradition in some parts of the world, but it causes girls and women serious harm to body and mind that can last a lifetime.
FGM is against the law in the UK. Carrying out FGM is a criminal offence, and so is taking a girl or woman abroad for FGM.
Quiz
Which of the following statements is correct?
FGM is illegal in the UK in every case, even if the family agrees. Taking a girl or woman abroad to have it done is a criminal offence too.
Forced marriage: both people must want it
The UK's basic rule for marriage is simple: both people must agree to it fully and freely.
An arranged marriage is one where the families suggest and organise the match, but both people agree to marry. This is acceptable in the UK.
A forced marriage is one where one or both people have not agreed, or are not able to agree. Forcing someone to marry is a criminal offence.
Courts can issue Forced Marriage Protection Orders to protect people who are at risk of being forced into marriage, or who are already in a forced marriage. The person themselves, or someone acting for them, can apply.
Quiz
Who can apply to a court for a Forced Marriage Protection Order?
The person who may be forced to marry can apply, or someone can apply for them. Protection orders began in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2008, and in Scotland in November 2011.
