I know we've had other threads on FGM, but this development made me wonder how gransnetters view the French approach. The school nurse includes a relevant examination of girls in primary school. I think it's annual and this approach seems to have been effective in limiting this practice.
When this issue was considered by our safeguarding team 20 years ago, the conclusion was that the approach should be to avoid prosecution, but to work within the communities to discourage the practice. That hasn't worked has it. It's barbaric and carries life long physical and emotional problems for women and girls. It is oppressive, and I believe it to be abusive. I'm honestly not sure where I stand on the notion of including a physical exam in what used to be the annual growth, dental, hair and general health check. I do believe it could be done in a non threatening way by the school nurse, but I recognise many parents would be upset about including all children, rather than simply those from communities 'at risk' from FGM.