Hundreds gather at Staffordshire conference on FGM

More than 400 people have attended a conference in Staffordshire today to highlight the problem of female genital mutilation.

The event was organised by the county's Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Arnold.

There was just one report of FGM in Staffordshire two years ago; but this year, the figure has risen to twelve, and more funding has been announced to help tackle the issue.

Addressing the conference was a woman who said she has only recently felt able to talk publicly about her experience.

"I wasn't ready to share what happened to me at the age of seven," said Hoda Ali.

"But I realised sharing my story and talking to especially young girls would make an impact on people.

Matthew Elllis, the Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "We've just got to do something about this. Whether it's a big or a small problem we've yet to find out."

Read: Doctor struck off for helping to arrange FGM

Read: MPs led by Leicester's Keith Vaz call for action on FGM