NSPCC figures show there were 45 cases of FGM in Northamptonshire in a one-year period

Northamptonshire families should talk about FGM to end the barbaric practice, a leading child abuse charity has said.

By The Newsroom

Published 30th Jul 2016, 06:00 BST

The NSPCC has published statistics showing that from April 2015 to March 2016, there have been 45 newly reported FGM cases in Northamptonshire.

An NSPCC spokesman said the figures were particularly concerning when it is accepted that most victims are young girls.

He said: “Parents should be fully aware of the fact that FGM is against the law in the UK and causes serious and long lasting physical and emotional harm to the children it is inflicted upon.”

The NSPCC said one of the most effective weapons against FGM was encouraging people to talk about the issue.

The spokesman said: “There is also a requirement for all professionals, families and members of the public to share information about FGM and the terrible damage it can cause on young women living in our communities.

“Only by being open and talking about this issue can we really start to reduce the number of women who are exposed to what is a barbaric act.”