Stop Domestic Abuse supports the United Nations International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
Pompey Women’s Football club supports Stop Domestic Abuse's campaign to raise awareness of Female Genital Mutilation
Monday 6 February marks the United Nations International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). FGM is a practice that women and girls are subjected to as a result of mistaken religious beliefs, controlling their sexuality, preserving their virginity/chastity, family expectations, social acceptance and hygiene reasons. Around 1 in 4 women and girls, or 52 million worldwide, have experienced female genital mutilation performed by health personnel, pointing to an alarming trend in the medicalisation of FGM.
Over the last 25 years, the prevalence of FGM has declined globally. In line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, there is potential for FGM to be eradicated by 2030.
We are supporting the United Nation’s Zero Tolerance Day campaign to end FGM by 2030 by taking part in various activities and events to raise awareness of the Harmful Practice.
On 6 February, Stop Domestic Abuse, joined by The British Red Cross and other professionals, hosted a stand at Cascades Shopping Centre in Portsmouth to speak to members of the community about FGM and its harmful impact on women and girls. The charity will be running a series of training events to educate professionals and community leaders on the impact of FGM, risk factors and existing protection for women and girls. Staff and supporters of Stop Domestic Abuse endorsed the campaign by posting photographs on social media, including Pompey Women’s Football Club who engaged with colleagues at Stop Domestic Abuse to show their support toward the United Nation’s agenda to end FGM by 2030 and raise awareness of the risks and effects of the harmful practice.
We aim to continue to raise awareness of Harmful Cultural Practices and encourage individuals to report abuse and access its specialist support services for victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse.
Stop Domestic Abuse provides refuge and community outreach services across Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton. If you need support or advice, Stop Domestic Abuse offers a free confidential support service. Contact their Advice Line on 0330 0533 630 or by email at advice@stopdomesticabuse.uk.