UK-wide · 2003
Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003
Protects: Women and girls at risk of FGM.
Information only. This is not legal advice. Court procedures and the law change. Always confirm with a solicitor, Citizens Advice, or a domestic abuse advocate before acting.
Summary
Criminalises FGM and taking a girl abroad for FGM. Schedule 2 creates FGM Protection Orders (civil orders, can be made urgently). Mandatory reporting duty for regulated professionals where FGM identified in under-18s.
Key provisions
FGMPO
Civil order protecting a girl from FGM. Breach is a criminal offence (up to 5 years).
What this Act affects
The specific protective court orders and decision points this Act creates or feeds — with the exact statutory section.
- FGM Protection Order →
Sch.2 (inserted by s.73 Serious Crime Act 2015)Civil order — can be made without notice, includes passport surrender. Breach criminal — up to 5 years.
Mandatory reporting
s.5BDecision point: regulated health, social-work and teaching professionals must report known FGM in under-18s to police.