The Hidden Truth: The numbers of Female Genital Mutilation Cases Reported on Teesside Unearthed by Freedom of Information Request....

The figures give a startling picture of the banned practice occurring on Teesside, with the vast majority of cases never making it to prosecution.

28th November 2024

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a deeply concerning issue, even in regions where its prevalence is assumed to be low.

According to the UK Crown Prosecution Service Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a criminal offence. It is a form of violence against women and girls, and in the latter case it is determined to be child abuse.

Recent data obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Cleveland Police from a member of the public has shed light on the grim reality of FGM-related crimes reported on Teesside. Though these figures may very well appear small compared to national statistics, they're said to represent a broader, under reported problem with profound consequences for victims.

The Numbers Behind the Crimes

Between 2019 and 2023, a total of 14 FGM-related crimes were reported to have been recorded by Cleveland Police under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. These cases fall into the following categories:

1. Excising, infibulating, aiding, abetting, counseling, or procuring FGM:

   
   

   • 2019: 1 case

   • 2020: 1 case

   • 2021: 6 cases

   • 2022: 5 cases

   • 2023: 1 case

     
     

This data reveals a notable spike in 2021 and 2022, followed by a sudden decline in 2023. However, the decline does not necessarily reflect a reduction in incidents but many claim instead points to barriers in reporting or systemic under-detection.

The Struggle for Justice

Despite the seriousness of FGM-related crimes, securing justice for victims remains extremely challenging. The breakdown of case outcomes over the same period highlights these difficulties:

• Victim declines/unable to support action to identify offender: 2 cases

• Police identify a named suspect, but evidential difficulties exist despite victim support: 5 cases

• Investigation complete, no suspect identified: 2 cases

• Investigation handed to another body/agency: 5 cases

  
  

Out of the 14 recorded cases recorded, none resulted in arrests or charges, underscoring the systemic challenges its claimed police faces when addressing FGM, with evidential difficulties, the complexity of these crimes, and victim reluctance to cooperate are often said to be the primary factor hindering progress in achieving a successful prosecution. .

A Hidden Crime

FGM is often said to be 'a hidden crime', embedded in cultural practices and secrecy, making it difficult to detect and prosecute. Many survivors claim to fear reprisal, stigma, or alienation from their communities if they come forward. Moreover, the lack of specialized training and resources for police forces in smaller regions like Teesside is said to further exacerbate the problem.

The Human Cost

Behind the numbers are real victims—women and girls who endure severe physical and psychological trauma. FGM can lead to chronic pain, infections, complications in childbirth, and lasting emotional scars. The lack of successful prosecutions not only denies justice to the victims but also fails to send a clear deterrent message to the perpetrators engaging in the crime.

The data on FGM cases in Teesside is said to be a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect vulnerable women and girls from this harmful practice. Whilst its claimed progress is being made in raising awareness, much work remains to be done to ensure justice is undertaken against those committing the crime and prevent future cases. By addressing barriers that hinder detection and prosecution, its claimed police forces can take meaningful steps toward eradicating FGM and supporting survivors, with the numbers of FGM cases, whilst small, paints a shocking outlook when looking at the actual prosecutions which have been successful.