Female genital mutilation/cutting: risk management and strategies for social workers and health care professionals
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Authors
Costello, Susan
Issue Date
2015-12-15
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Female Genital Mutilation , Female Genital Cutting , Female Circumcision , Child Protection , Risk Management
Alternative Title
Abstract
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a traditional practice originating in Africa. Its worst forms cause irreparable harm to girls and women and have no medical justification. Based on a literature review of global responses to FGM/C and conversations with Australian women who migrated from FGM/C practicing countries, this paper provides some background on FGM/C and its epidemiology, outlining its prevalence, types, and health risks and complications for women and girls. It discusses risk-prevention strategies, first, for health practitioners in identifying, screening, and supporting women affected by FGM/C and, second, for welfare and social workers and health care professionals to identify, work with, and prevent girls from being cut. Consistent with international trends in addressing the risks of FGM/C, the paper suggests practice responses for coordinated responses between professionals, communities from practicing countries, and governments of different countries.
Description
Citation
Costello S. (2015). Female genital mutilation/cutting: risk management and strategies for social workers and health care professionals. Risk management and healthcare policy, 8, 225–233. https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S62091
Publisher
Risk Management And Healthcare Policy