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<p>Female genital mutilation is a crime and is child abuse. Border Force frontline
officers undertake FGM training to learn about geographical areas of prevalence, girls
at potential risk and how to deal with situations when they have concerns. Officers
are also alert to the identification of FGM indicative paraphernalia which may be
found in baggage or parcels intercepted. Border Force plays a vital role in helping
to identify and protect potential victims of FGM travelling to and from the UK.</p><p>Female
Genital Mutilation is the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for
no medical reason. It is also known as female circumcision or cutting.</p><p>FGM is
illegal under the FGM Act 2003 - it has been a specific offence since 1985 and has
a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment. Since 2010, the Government has:</p><p>o
significantly strengthened the law on FGM and forced marriage;</p><p>o issued a range
of materials to support professionals to help them understand these issues, including
publishing statutory multi-agency guidance and making available free e-learning; and</p><p>our
FGM and Forced Marriage Units are carrying out ongoing programmes of outreach for
professionals and communities.</p>
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