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What risk factors should you consider before reporting a potential case of FGM/C?

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​According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common risk factors for women and girls undergoing FGM/C or being forced to  undergo the procedure are influenced by culture, religion and society.

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Below are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of women and girls experiencing FGM/C: 

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• a family originally from a country that practices FGM

• having a family member or sibling that has experienced FGM

• prolonged trip outside of the US or going 'home' to visit family

• unexpected, repeated or prolonged absence from school

• DV in the family increases the chances of FGM

• Individual marries into an ethnic group that practices FGM

• Individual approaches age by when women and girls must be subjected to FGM or married in her community

• Individual discloses sexual abuse/rape

• pressure to conform with peers

• the idea that FGM is necessary to raise a child and prepare a child for adulthood

• the assumption that FGM will decrease sexual desire and keep a woman pure

• the association of FGM with ideas of cleanliness

• the idea that FGM is an important and unquestionable cultural tradition

 

Takeaway: This is a COMPLEX issue that requires further questioning and cannot be addressed based on assumptions. 

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National Reporting Resources

If you are in New York State, report to Child Protective services

(https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps/, 1-800-342-3720)

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If you are a Mandated Reporter in New York, call the State Centra1 Registry at

(800) 635-1522

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If you are in New Jersey, report to the Department of Children and Families (https://www.nj.gov/dcf/reporting/how/index.html), 1-877-652-2873. 

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To report someone who is performing FGM/C or you or someone else is in danger of undergoing FGM/C, contact:

FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov/ to complete their tips and public leads form electronically. You can also contact the local FBI field office in NYC at (212) 384-1000.

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Homeland Security Investigations tip line at (866) 347-2423

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To speak with someone immediately about a child at risk of FGM/C or find a crisis counselor who can assist you, call Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at: 1-800.4.A.CHILD (1-800-422-4453).

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To obtain more information about FGM/C or to locate potential support resources, call the HHS Office on Women’s Health Help Line at: 1-800-994-9662.

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From DHS Federal Outreach Plan, 2016