Concerning NHS figures show the number of female genital mutilation victims seen in Wiltshire and Somerset last year has almost doubled.

Female Genital Mutilation, known as FGM, is where female genitals are deliberately cut, removed or changed without medical justification, and is most commonly inflicted on girls under 15, particularly from Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

The practice is seen as a form of child abuse and it is illegal to carry it out in the UK or to take children abroad to have FGM carried out.

But in 2023-2024, approximately 60 patients (rounded to the nearest five) with FGM injuries were seen by health professionals in the NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire area, according to recent NHS figures.

This is almost double the 35 patients seen in 2022-2023.

Karma Nirvana, a charity for victims and survivors of FGM abuse in the UK, said the rise in cases seen by services across England is a "clear signal" that more must be done to protect women and girls from the practice.

Of the patients seen in Wiltshire and Somerset last year, 35 were estimated to be new patients, meaning they had their injuries recorded for the first time.

Across England, 6,655 individual women and girls had an attendance where FGM was identified – up 13 per cent from the year prior.

34 per cent of those patients said the abusive procedure was carried out when they were between the ages of five and 10.

Karma Nirvana said this data shows a "critical gap in awareness and action", adding health professionals must be equipped to respond, especially in midwifery services.

"While recent prosecutions for conspiracy to commit FGM show progress, this data proves that we are far from winning this fight," said a spokesperson for the charity.

"The rise in cases is a clear signal that more must be done – now – to protect women and girls from this inhumane practice."

An NHS spokesperson added that the service is committed to doing more to support survivors, and said more than 20 National FGM Support Clinics have been rolled out across England.

"Female genital mutilation is a vile crime and is nothing other than child abuse," said a government spokesperson.

"We are fully committed to tackling this awful practice and will work to ensure we do everything we can to protect victims and ensure they get the support they deserve."

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