An awareness project aimed at protecting children and young people from female genital mutilation (FGM) has reached more than one thousand pupils and students since launching.
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews provided a grant worth almost £10k to DORCAS (Daughters, Optimistic, Respect, Courage, Assurance and Support) to deliver the educational programme in primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities across the city and two counties.
The programme focuses on prevention and sees specialist youth workers hosting awareness events, drop-in sessions, health and wellbeing presentations, networking events and community-based activities to offer support to young people at risk of this form of abuse and gender violence.
In addition, the project is delivering accredited training to professionals who meet victims through their work. It is also providing therapeutic services to survivors of FGM in the form of trauma therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other types of professional recovery support and intervention.
FGM comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
The project, which ran until January 2025, is currently the only one of its kind across the city and two counties. So far it has seen 1,342 people attending awareness sessions while 24 counselling sessions have been delivered.
The aim is to initiate conversations and empower children and young people to challenge deep-rooted traditions that are based on fear and suppression and to provide advocacy services, signposting individuals to partnership agencies for further support and help.
Mr Matthews said: "As you can imagine, it can be extremely difficult and frightening for victims of this harmful practice to come forward and receive the support they need. This is why this project's mission is two-fold, both raising awareness to prevent other young women and girls suffering in this way and providing specialist emotional and psychological help for victims.
"The health and psychological impact of FGM is both devastating and long-term. It is critical we offer young women and girls a lifeline if they are at risk of this harrowing experience. I am grateful to DORCAS who have many years of experience working with impacted communities to raise awareness and protect individuals at risk and are bringing this expertise to Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
"Violence against women and girls (VAWG) in all its forms remains a top priority in my work as Commissioner and I will continue to invest in evidence-led programmes that help to prevent harm and protect those at risk as early as possible. FGM remains an under-reported offence and that is something I am determined to change by increasing trust and confidence in the support we provide victims."
Tessa Clarke, chief executive of DORCAS and support services manager, added: "FGM is a critical issue affecting millions globally, with UNICEF estimating that over 230 million women and girls have been subjected to this practice. Alarmingly, around 44,000 deaths occur each year due to health complications related to FGM. Recent NHS statistics reveal that between January and March 2024, 2,090 women and girls were identified as having undergone FGM, an indication of the growing need for targeted support and intervention. The statistics are sobering; these cases accounted for 3,900 attendances at NHS trusts and GP practices in England, demonstrating that FGM remains prevalent in the UK.
"With the generous funding from Commissioner Matthews, we have been empowered to expand our initiatives to Leicester, Leicestershire and the Rutland. We currently offer/deliver FGM awareness programs tailored for primary and secondary school pupils, colleges, and universities, as well as providing parent consultations and community cohesion activities. We also facilitate accredited training for professionals, counselling and advocacy for survivors, health and wellbeing sessions, court support for protective orders, and our early years program, ‘My Body Belongs to Me,' which teaches young children about keeping their bodies safe and protected from abuse.
"With the help of local partnership agencies, we are committed to reaching more communities at risk, raising awareness, and ultimately working towards eradicating this grievous crime. We deeply appreciate the leadership of Commissioner Matthews in changing the narrative around the hidden taboo of FGM and actively supporting those who are vulnerable, have no choice or voice.
"Together, we hope to create a safer future for girls and women in our community."
