We urge communities to bravely speak up about those responsible for FGM

We have launched a new campaign across Sussex, to encourage people to speak to us 100% anonymously about those responsible for FGM.

It is estimated that 170,000 women and girls living in the UK have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) and approximately 60,000 girls under 15 years old are at risk. 

Give information 100% anonymously

Learn more about our new campaign, including what information is useful:

Find out more

FGM refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, for non-medical reasons.

Launching on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM and working in partnership with Sussex Police, the organisation HERSANA CIC and other partners, the campaign will highlight the lasting effects of the procedure and signpost those in need of support.

We are urging people with information about those they suspect are responsible or helping to facilitate FGM across Sussex to speak to us 100% anonymously.
 
Information can be given to us in over 150 different languages, providing a voice to communities all over the UK, 365 days of the year, 24/7, by calling our UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111, or by completing a safe and secure online form. We are independent of law enforcement.
 
In an emergency, always call 999.

“Female genital mutilation is a form of child abuse and illegal in the UK. It is not just a woman’s issue; it is everyone’s issue.

“FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and 15 years old. It has no health benefits, and harms girls and women in many ways. It is an extremely painful procedure and has serious health consequences both at the time when the cutting is carried out, and in later life.

“Nobody should have to live with lifelong physical and emotional trauma from a non-medically required procedure. We are urging people who have suspicions about those who are aiding the facilitation of FGM across Sussex, to speak up to our charity 100% anonymously.

“A team of professionals working at the Crimestoppers national Contact Centre anonymise all information received – to ensure the person giving the details can never be identified - before passing it on to police to investigate. Whether it is a neighbour, friend, work colleague, or relative, no one will ever know who provided the information to us.”
 
Annabelle Goodenough, Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers

Please note: Computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. For telephone calls, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.

Additional support

Due to Crimestoppers’ anonymity guarantee, we cannot take information from victims. Support and help are available to victims of FGM, whether or not it is reported to the police, via the following organisations: 

• HERSANA CIC is a non-profit organisation who work tirelessly to end violence against women and girls in all its forms. Hersana also provide black femme survivors with holistic therapy services, independent advocacy, cultural-sensitive outreach, specialist training and workshops, and creative practical support services. Visit https://www.hersana.org/ or call 0333 016 9610
• If you're worried a child is at risk of or has already had FGM, call the NSPCC’s FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 or Contact NSPCC FGM helpline – a 24-hour free helpline for anyone worried about someone they believe is at risk of FGM: 0800 028 3550.
• For further specialist practical and emotional support, contact Victim Support. 

6 February 2025