Region supports United Nations' International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

Northumbria Police and the force's Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, have said they are taking a stance against FGM by supporting the 'United Nations' International Day of Zero Tolerance' to female genital mutilation.

The yearly event falls today, February 6, with events worldwide to raise awareness of the harmful practice affecting millions of women and girls.

FGM is a health issue for many women and here in the UK. It has been estimated that 100-140 million women and girls alive today have undergone some form of female genital mutilation.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, has campaigned to make FGM a priority in the north east.

It forms a key part of the regional 'Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy', which she launched in 2013 with fellow north east Police and Crime Commissioners Barry Coppinger, from Cleveland, and Durham's Ron Hogg.

Vera Baird, said: "Women and girls all over the world are victims of female genital mutilation, and the North East is no exception. FGM is internationally recognised as a violation of human rights, yet it is often carried out under the guise of tradition, religion, or social convention.

"It's a practice that can have serious health consequences both physically and psychologically, so I strongly urge anyone suffering in silence to seek help, likewise, anyone who suspects this practice is happening to someone they know must contact the police so they can put an immediate stop to it.

A helpline, specialising in responses to female genital mutilation has been set up by the NSPCC, supported by the Metropolitan Police, and in association with a number of voluntary and professional groups, including FGM charities.

• The helpline can be contacted on: 0800 028 3550

Police can be called on 101, or if there is an ongoing crime dial 999.