Today, Thursday 6th February, is the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. You can read more about this here: http://www.un.org/en/events/femalegenitalmutilationday/index.shtml
Kevin Hurley, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, said:
“Female Genital Mutilation is malicious wounding of children. We know that there are tens of thousands of girls and women in this country who have either been subjected to FGM or are at risk of being so.
“It is for us as leaders in politics and the public services to come together and do something about this. This is a complex, international and cross-cultural issue and it will take a considered approach. In Surrey, I intend to work with the police, the health service, educators, charities, academics, faith groups and politicians to develop a better understanding of the risks facing girls and women in our county and find ways to protect them.
“Children in this country are being maimed in the most appalling way. It’s time to bring the issue of FGM up the agenda and stand up to protect girls and women from this terrible crime.”