Is FGM illegal?
Yes. FGM is a criminal offence, child abuse and a form of violence against women and girls. The law also covers specified conduct connected with taking a girl abroad for FGM.
Read the statutory guidance →England and Wales · answer-first guide
FGM law and protection.
FGM is illegal. A court can make an FGM Protection Order. Regulated professionals have a personal reporting duty in defined known cases involving someone under 18.
What is mandatory reporting?
In England and Wales, regulated health and social-care professionals and teachers must personally report to the police a known case of FGM in someone under 18 discovered during their professional work. The duty applies when a child directly discloses FGM or when physical signs are observed during the ordinary course of professional duties. Suspected risk and third-party disclosures follow established safeguarding procedures instead. Always use the current statutory guidance.
Read the mandatory-reporting guidance →What can a Protection Order do?
An FGM Protection Order can protect someone at risk or someone who has already undergone FGM. A court can tailor urgent conditions to the case, including restrictions concerning travel, passports or named people.
Read the official order guidance →Where this guide comes from
This summary draws on current government guidance and the Freedom Charity and Reed Smith FGM Project report on FGM and related offences, May 2025. It is general information, not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change; use the linked official sources.
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