Raising awareness of FGM: "I don't want my daughter to go through that pain"

  • Anglia
Zubeda Dahir was 8 years old when she was subjected to FGM. Credit: ITV News Anglia

A mother from Northampton is backing a new campaign to try and bring an end to Female Genital Mutilation.

Zubeda Dahir was an 8-year-old child in Africa when Female Genital Mutilation - or FGM - happened to her.

Credit: Northants Police

Zubeda is now backing a new campaign to raise awareness about FGM.

In the last year - Northampton General Hospital recorded 35 cases but according to the NSPCC between January and March 2016 there were 220 newly reported cases of FGM in the Midlands and East of England.

Today Northamptonshire Police launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the issue- ahead of the school summer holidays when children can be at a higher risk of being taken abroad.

If you are concerned that a girl is at risk of FGM, it is a child protection issue and must be reported immediately by calling the Northamptonshire Child Safeguarding Team on 0300 126 1000.

For further help and advice you can contact the NSPCC FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email [fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk](http://If you are concerned that a girl is at risk of FGM, this is a child protection issue and must be reported immediately by calling the Northamptonshire Child Safeguarding Team on 0300 126 1000.

Further help and advice:FGM HelplineEmail: fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk Telephone: 0800 028 3550

VOICE Practical and emotional support for victims and witnesses of crime in Northamptonshirefgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk)

Or you can can call VOICE who provide practical and emotional support for victims and witnesses of crime in Northamptonshire0300 303 1965 www.voicenorthants.org