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<p>Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a crime and it is child abuse. We will not tolerate
a practice that can cause extreme and lifelong physical and psychological suffering
to women and girls.</p><p>The Government is clear that tackling FGM needs a coordinated
response from a range of professionals, including teachers, health professionals,
social workers and police which is why on 1 April we published updated multi-agency
guidance on FGM which we have put on a statutory footing to support compliance. To
support professionals to take the steps outlined in the guidance, including receiving
adequate training, we have made available free FGM e-learning for all professionals.
To date, the course has been completed by over 30,000 people. Our FGM Unit is providing
outreach support to local areas and working to raise awareness of resources available
to professionals, including training, best practice examples and information on legislation
and policy.</p><p>In addition, the Department of Health’s £3 million FGM Prevention
Programme is focused on improving the response of NHS to FGM, and through its Innovation
programme, the Department for Education is funding the Local Government Association
and Barnardo's to develop a centre of excellence and outreach to support local authorities.</p>
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