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<table><tbody><tr><td><p>The Government is committed to tackling female genital mutilation
(FGM) and all forms of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). The familial and hidden
nature of FGM presents challenges in bringing a prosecution. Victims are mostly of
a young age and vulnerable, and they often do not want to report offences that could
lead to them giving evidence against family members. Some identified FGM victims have
had the procedure before coming to the UK to live; in these circumstances there may
not be jurisdiction to prosecute where the offence had no connection to the UK. Securing
prosecutions is important, but it is also essential to protect women and girls at
risk and to prevent FGM happening in the first place. FGM Protection Orders, mandatory
reporting by front-line staff and an offence of failing to protect a girl from FGM
are being used to safeguard those who may be at risk. The Government is funding a
feasibility study to explore whether a more rigorous estimation of the prevalence
of FGM and forced marriage in England and Wales can be made, to allow a deeper understanding
of these crimes.</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The CPS is working closely with stakeholders,
including FGM support organisations, to develop a new VAWG Strategy to bring more
offenders to justice and to improve victims’ experience of the criminal justice system.
It will be published in Summer 2023.</p>
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