Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Solicitors
According to the World Health Organisation, FGM includes ‘all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons’. It’s also known as ‘female circumcision’ or ‘cutting’,
The NSPCC estimated that nearly 137,000 women and girls affected by FGM in England and Wales.
Shazia Saliheen, Supervising Solicitor in Coventry is experienced in FGM having represented clients in cases which have received national attention. She is dedicated to tackling and preventing Forced Marriages and FGM practice and is based in Coventry and the West Midlands.
Miss Saliheen has extensive experience of assisting parents and individual to prevent a forced marriage from taking place. Miss Saliheen has been successful in securing orders to prevent forced marriage on children as young as 4 years and adults as old as 55 years old. Miss Saliheen has been successful in preventing forced marriages when the individual as been taken abroad and has assist in their safe return to the UK.
FAQ’s
Can I get protection against FGM from the courts?
The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 (covering England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) makes FGM an illegal practice in the UK. Those found guilty may face a prison sentence of between 5 and 14 years.
Our Family and child care solicitors can help you to secure a Female Genital Mutilation Protection Order (FGMPO). The application for the FGMPO can be made on an emergency basis on the same day to ensure you are protected without delay or if you are overseas, taken out of the country immediately.
How will the FMGPO order protect me?
A Forced Marriage protection order can include, preventing any individual or individuals from making any arrangements, discussions about marriage to you (including any religious marriages / engagement), from travelling with you abroad, encouraging or instructing others to put pressure on you or take steps to force you into a marriage. The court will consider specific factors to your care and make the necessary orders to prevent you being forced into a marriage.
Am I entitled to legal aid for me Female Genital Mutilation Protection Order matter?
Legal aid may be available depending on your financial circumstances and the merits of your case. Our experienced solicitors will be able to support you and assist you through this process
Getting Help
National Legal Service Solicitors provide confidential and reassuring advice on what your options are. We can see you quickly to discuss your concerns and explore availability of Legal Aid.
Miss Saliheen has assisted and supports many individuals and parents of individuals who were at risk of FGM including when those children were at risk of being abducted abroad to have the procedure. The first step is to secure court orders to prevent the children being removed from the country and thereafter secure orders to prevent the FGM from taking place.
There are the unfortunate occasions when the children have been removed from the jurisdiction of England and Wales and the risk of FGM are identified. Urgent steps can still be taken to secure the orders to prevent FGM from taking place, and the immediate return of the children.
Miss Saliheen has experience of working with agencies and government officials from foreign countries to ensure the safety of any individuals or children who are at risk of FGM and forced marriages
Call us now on 020 3601 5051 or fill in our online contact form to book a free consultation with Shazia.
