Several hundred families were spoken to and more than one hundred flights were monitored as part of a week-long campaign to raise awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM).
The scheme, which ran from 26th to 30th August saw specialist officers take to Manchester Airport as part of their #dishonourthecrime initiative.
Supported by the UK Border Force and Manchester Airport, the team monitored 105 flights arriving at Manchester airport over five days. The purpose of the operation was to raise awareness about female genital mutilation to passengers returning to the country after spending the holiday period abroad.
The activity follows a crackdown at the start of the summer between 20th to 24th July when 100 departing flights were scrutinised and passengers travelling with and without children were spoken to about Female Genital Mutilation, which is a criminal offence and could result in 14 years imprisonment.
Superintendent Joanne Rawlinson from Greater Manchester Police said: “The two operations that have taken place during the summer period have provided us with an excellent opportunity to speak directly with families travelling abroad in order to raise awareness about Female Genital Mutilation, and improve their understanding of what it is, and the consequences of such activity.
“Intelligence from affected communities informs us that children have previously been taken abroad for the purpose of FGM during the summer holidays. That is why such an operation is so important. It is essential that our communities fully understand that FGM is child abuse, and that it is a criminal offence whether the procedure is carried out here or abroad.
“Greater Manchester Police treats all report of FGM very seriously. The health implications and trauma that children often suffer as a result of these procedures cannot be underestimated, it is massive in terms of their long term health and wellbeing, sexuality, social development and their future adulthood.
“As a Force we will continue to work hard with partners to educate our communities, prevent children from being harmed in this way and bring those responsible for such offending to justice. During this summer’s operation passengers were happy to speak about their own experiences and listen to what staff had to say. I would urge anyone who suspects that a child is at risk of FGM to contact the police immediately.”
FGM involves the partial or total removal of the external genitalia or injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reasons. It is prevalent in countries in mid and northern Africa and parts of Asia. It is allegedly carried out to safeguard a young woman’s virginity and her family’s honour, and can involve a festival or celebration as part of the ceremony.
In July Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders were introduced which prevent travel of children believed to be at risk of FGM. Breaching the order is a criminal offence and allows authorities to seize the passports of people who they suspect are planning on taking girls abroad for mutilation.
Minister for Preventing Abuse and Exploitation Karen Bradley said: “FGM is a serious crime: it is child abuse. Every girl has the right to grow up and make the most of her potential, free from the risk of FGM.
“The work of the police and Border Force’s safeguarding teams is vital in our fight to end FGM. Greater Manchester Police and Border Force did a great job in raising awareness of this terrible crime at Manchester airport over the summer.
“The Government has taken bold action to tackle FGM by strengthening the law, giving more support to frontline professionals, and working with communities to support them in changing attitudes.”
Border Force North Deputy Director Emma Porter said: “Border Force’s safeguarding team worked with Greater Manchester Police over the summer to raise awareness of FGM to passengers returning to the UK after spending the holiday period abroad.
“Officers monitored a wide range of flights during the operation, gathering crucial evidence whilst carrying out additional checks on passengers to help prevent FGM.
“Our safeguarding and trafficking teams have the right skills to identify and deal sensitively with potential victims of FGM in sometimes complex situations.”
For full guidelines on honour-based abuse, FGM and the law please visit the Home Office website. Anyone with concerns is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
