GMP Report On FGM Operations At Manchester Airport

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 26 - 30 August saw specialist officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) take to Manchester Airport as part of their Dishonour The Crime initiative.

The operation aimed 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 20 - 24 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.

(MH/CD)