Female and male genital mutilation are forms of abuse.
They involve procedures that intentionally alter or injure genital organs for non-medical reasons.

These practices are harmful, a violation of human rights, and never justified by culture, religion, or tradition.

Quick definitions

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is when a girl or woman’s genital organs are cut, altered, or injured for non-medical reasons.

Male genital mutilation (MGM) is when a boy or man’s genital organs are cut, altered, or injured for non-medical reasons, without free and informed consent.

Both are forms of bodily harm and abuse when carried out without consent or medical need.

What do genital mutilation practices involve?

There are different practices affecting both females and males.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) may involve:

• Cutting or removing part or all of the external genitalia
• Injury or damage to genital tissue
• Narrowing or sealing of the vaginal opening

FGM is most commonly carried out on children or teenagers, but can also happen to adults.

Male genital mutilation (MGM) may involve:

• Cutting or removal of part or all of the foreskin
• Genital injury carried out without medical need
• Procedures performed on children without their consent

The level of harm can vary, but any non-consensual, non-medical injury is abuse.

Why do FGM and MGM happen?

These practices are often driven by beliefs about:

• Tradition or social pressure
• Honour, purity, or family reputation
• Control over bodies or sexuality
• Misunderstood or misused religious teachings
• Fear of exclusion or judgement

Neither FGM nor MGM is required by any religion.
They continue because of pressure, power, and silence, not because they are right.

Who can be affected?

Genital mutilation can affect:

• Babies, children, and teenagers
• Adults
• People from many cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds
• People born in the UK or abroad

Risk can exist even when families live in the UK, particularly if there is pressure from extended family or community members.

How genital mutilation can affect people

The impact can be immediate and long-term.

Possible effects include:

• Severe pain or infection
• Long-term physical health problems
• Complications with urination, sex, or fertility
• Trauma, anxiety, or depression
• Feelings of fear, shame, or loss of control
• Difficulty trusting others or seeking help

Some effects appear straight away.
Others may emerge later in life.

Genital mutilation and honour-based abuse

FGM and MGM are often linked to honour-based abuse.

They may be used to:

• Control behaviour or sexuality
• Enforce gender roles
• Maintain family or community reputation
• Prevent independence or choice

These practices are about power and control, not honour.

Is genital mutilation illegal in the UK?

Female genital mutilation

FGM is illegal in the UK.

It is against the law to:

• Carry out FGM
• Arrange or assist FGM
• Take someone abroad for FGM
• Fail to protect a child from FGM

Male genital mutilation

Non-medical genital injury to boys or men without consent may constitute a criminal offence under UK law, particularly where harm is caused.

Safeguarding and child protection laws exist to protect children from physical harm.

Signs someone may be at risk

A child or young person may be at risk if:

• There are plans to travel abroad unexpectedly
• Family members talk about a “ceremony” or “becoming a man or woman”
• Older siblings have undergone similar procedures
• There is strong pressure linked to honour, purity, or tradition
• A child seems anxious, fearful, or withdrawn

If you are worried about someone’s safety, seek help.

If you have experienced genital mutilation

If this happened to you:

• It was not your fault
• You did not consent, even if you were told it was necessary
• You deserve care, respect, and support

You do not have to talk about your experience unless you choose to.

What if I’m not sure it “counts”?

Many people minimise their experience because:

• “It was normal where I grew up”
• “Everyone went through it”
• “I survived”
• “It wasn’t talked about”

Harm does not stop being harm because it was accepted or expected.

Support and next steps

If you are worried about yourself or someone else:

• You deserve to be listened to without judgement
• Support is available confidentially
• You do not have to face this alone

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Specialist services can provide medical, emotional, and practical support.

You are not alone

Understanding what it is can help protect people and open pathways to safety and support.

Help is available,  at your pace, on your terms.

The post What Is Female and Male Genital Mutilation (FGM & MGM)? was created by First Light.