Understanding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
What is FGM?
Female Genital Mutilation, or FGM, is a practice that involves altering or injuring female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is sometimes called “cutting” or “female circumcision.”
Is FGM Legal in the UK?
FGM is illegal in the UK. This means that no one can perform FGM on a girl or woman, and it is also illegal to take someone abroad to have FGM done.
Key Point: Practising FGM or aiding in it is a criminal offence, which means it can lead to serious legal consequences.
Why is FGM Harmful?
FGM can cause severe health problems, including:
- Physical pain
- Infections
- Complications during childbirth
- Emotional trauma
Example
Imagine a girl who is taken abroad against her will and undergoes FGM. This not only violates her rights but can also harm her health for life.
Understanding Forced Marriage
What is a Forced Marriage?
A forced marriage is when one or both people do not freely agree to the marriage. It is very different from an arranged marriage, where both parties consent to the arrangement.
Is Forced Marriage Legal in the UK?
Forced marriage is illegal in the UK. Forcing someone to marry against their will can lead to criminal charges.
Protection for Victims
In 2008, the UK introduced Forced Marriage Protection Orders. These are court orders that help protect individuals from being forced into marriage.
Key Point: If someone feels they might be forced to marry, they can apply for this order to keep them safe.
Example
If a young woman fears her family will force her to marry someone she does not know, she can seek a Forced Marriage Protection Order from the court.
Questions for Practice
Easy Level Questions
- What does FGM stand for?
- A) Female Genital Mutilation
- B) Female General Medicine
- C) Female Genetic Mutation
- D) Female Gender Management
- Is FGM legal in the UK?
- A) Yes
- B) No
- C) Only for adults
- D) Only for minors
- What is a forced marriage?
- A) A marriage by choice
- B) A marriage where one or both parties do not consent
- C) A marriage arranged by parents
- D) A marriage that is celebrated
- Who can apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order?
- A) Anyone
- B) Only men
- C) Only women
- D) Only family members
- What is one consequence of FGM?
- A) Improved health
- B) Physical pain
- C) Increased happiness
- D) Better relationships
- What should a girl do if she fears FGM?
- A) Stay silent
- B) Speak to someone who can help
- C) Accept it
- D) Ignore it
- What is the main difference between forced marriage and arranged marriage?
- A) Location
- B) Consent
- C) Age
- D) Duration
- What can happen to someone who forces another person to marry?
- A) They receive a prize
- B) They can go to jail
- C) They will be rewarded
- D) Nothing happens
- Is it acceptable to take a girl abroad for FGM?
- A) Yes
- B) No
- C) Only for medical reasons
- D) Only if she agrees
- What can FGM lead to?
- A) Health benefits
- B) Severe health issues
- C) Increased community respect
- D) Enhanced relationships
Medium Level Questions
- In which year were Forced Marriage Protection Orders introduced in England?
- A) 2005
- B) 2008
- C) 2010
- D) 2012
- What can a court do if someone breaches a Forced Marriage Protection Order?
- A) Give them a warning
- B) Allow them to marry freely
- C) Jail them for up to two years
- D) Nothing
- How is FGM defined legally in the UK?
- A) A cultural practice
- B) A medical procedure
- C) An illegal act
- D) A traditional rite
- Who can report FGM cases?
- A) Only family members
- B) Anyone can report it
- C) Only police officers
- D) Only teachers
- What does it mean for a marriage to be “arranged”?
- A) One person chooses for another
- B) Both people agree to marry
- C) It is done without consent
- D) It is always legal
- Which act covers the Forced Marriage Protection Orders?
- A) Forced Marriage Act 2000
- B) Civil Protection Act 2007
- C) Marriage Act 1995
- D) Family Act 2001
- What type of marriage requires both parties’ free consent?
- A) Arranged marriage
- B) Forced marriage
- C) Civil marriage
- D) Religious marriage
- Where can a Forced Marriage Protection Order be applied for?
- A) Only in Scotland
- B) Only in England
- C) In a court
- D) At a local police station
- What does FGM violate?
- A) Women’s rights
- B) Cultural traditions
- C) Religious beliefs
- D) Local customs
- What is the maximum jail time for breaching a Forced Marriage Protection Order?
- A) One year
- B) Two years
- C) Five years
- D) Ten years
Hard Level Questions
- What is the main goal of the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007?
- A) To promote arranged marriages
- B) To prevent forced marriages
- C) To encourage cultural practices
- D) To regulate marriages
- Which part of the UK introduced Protection Orders in November 2011?
- A) England
- B) Wales
- C) Northern Ireland
- D) Scotland
- What constitutes a breach of a Forced Marriage Protection Order?
- A) Ignoring the order
- B) Discussing the order with friends
- C) Continuing with a forced marriage
- D) All of the above
- What is often a consequence of FGM that impacts women’s lives significantly?
- A) Improved job opportunities
- B) Long-lasting emotional trauma
- C) Better social standing
- D) Increased family support
- How does the UK government view FGM?
- A) As a cultural tradition
- B) As a serious violation of human rights
- C) As a personal choice
- D) As an acceptable practice
- If a girl is taken abroad for FGM, who is responsible under UK law?
- A) The girl
- B) The family
- C) The healthcare provider
- D) All of the above
- What should a victim of forced marriage do first?
- A) Stay quiet
- B) Seek help immediately
- C) Tell their friends
- D) Accept the marriage
- What measures can the UK government employ to combat FGM?
- A) Raise awareness and provide education
- B) Celebrate the practice
- C) Ignore it
- D) Encourage it
- How can communities help prevent forced marriages?
- A) By ignoring the issue
- B) By educating young people about their rights
- C) By promoting arranged marriages
- D) By blaming the victims
- What is the role of social services in cases of forced marriage?
- A) To enforce cultural practices
- B) To assist victims and provide support
- C) To keep families together at all costs
- D) To promote arranged marriages
Answers and Explanations
Easy Level Answers
- A) Female Genital Mutilation
- B) No
- B) A marriage where one or both parties do not consent
- A) Anyone
- B) Physical pain
- B) Speak to someone who can help
- B) Consent
- B) They can go to jail
- B) No
- B) Severe health issues
Medium Level Answers
- B) 2008
- C) Jail them for up to two years
- C) An illegal act
- B) Anyone can report it
- B) Both people agree to marry
- B) Civil Protection Act 2007
- A) Arranged marriage
- C) In a court
- A) Women’s rights
- B) Two years
Hard Level Answers
- B) To prevent forced marriages
- D) Scotland
- D) All of the above
- B) Long-lasting emotional trauma
- B) As a serious violation of human rights
- D) All of the above
- B) Seek help immediately
- A) Raise awareness and provide education
- B) By educating young people about their rights
- B) To assist victims and provide support
