Female genital mutilation

The practice of female circumcision is considered mutilation in the Netherlands and is punishable as a criminal offence under Dutch law.

What is female genital mutilation?

Female genital mutilation is an age-old tradition. It is defined by the World Health Organisation as ‘all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.’ The circumcision can be performed on babies, children and adolescents and often if a girl or woman is about to be married.

A punishable offence

Female genital mutilation is prohibited in the Netherlands. The maximum penalty is a prison sentence of 12 years. However, the sentence can be higher if the offender is a family member of the victim. It is also illegal to assist or encourage another person to perform FGC. A Dutch citizen or a foreign citizen legally resident in the Netherlands can be punished even if the offence is committed abroad. Doctors have the obligation to report suspected cases of FGC and may break patient confidentiality rules if necessary.

Health risks

Female genital mutilation may result in psychological problems and problems relating to sexuality. There is a considerable risk of physical disorders and medical complications, not only during the operation but afterwards as well.

No connection to religion or culture

There is no religion which prescribes female genital mutilation. Religious leaders from all of the world’s communities of faith have declared themselves to be opposed to female genital mutilation. There is no statement anywhere in the Christian, Jewish and Islamic scriptures to the effect that females must be circumcised.

Declaration against FGM

The Dutch government has drawn up an official document to help parents resist pressure from their families. This document is known as the Declaration against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Parents are given a copy of the document by children’s health care centres and school doctors.

What should you do in the event of female genital mutilation?

If you are afraid that your sister, daughter, a female friend or acquaintance will be subjected to female genital mutilation, you should do everything in your power to prevent this.

• Explain the situation to someone you trust
  
• Contact The Hague’s Public Health Department (GGD Den Haag) on tel. (070) 353 58 37.
• Report it to the Child Protection Hotline (Advies- en Meldpunt Kindermishandeling)
• If you think the girl is in immediate danger, call the police on 112
• If you are abroad, you can call the closest Dutch consulate or embassy.
  

Questions about FGM?

Contact the GGD Den Haag.

Also see

• Advies- en Meldpunt  Kindermishandeling
• Focal point genital mutilation of girls
• Centrum Jeugd en Gezin Den Haag
  
• Jeugdgezondheidszorg Den Haag

• GGD Den Haag

Des risques pour la santé

L’excision peut provoquer des troubles psychiques et des problèmes sur le plan de la sexualité. Le risque de troubles physiques et de complications médicales est élevé, pendant mais aussi après l’intervention.

Aucun lien religieux ou culturel

Il n’existe dans le monde aucune religion qui impose l’excision. Les chefs spirituels de toutes les communautés religieuses se sont prononcés contre cette pratique. Elle n’est mentionnée à aucun endroit des livres sacrés, qu’ils soient chrétiens, juifs ou musulmans.

Déclaration contre l’excision des filles

Le gouvernement néerlandais a élaboré un document officiel pour aider les parents à résister aux pressions familiales : la déclaration contre l’excision.

Ce document est remis aux parents par les centres de consultation (consultatiebureaus) et les médecins scolaires.

Que faire en cas d’excision ?

Si vous pensez que votre sœur, votre fille, une connaissance ou une amie risque d’être excisée, il faut tout faire pour l’éviter. Dans ce cas, contactez le GGD (à la Haye, tél : +31(0)70 - 3535837), qui vous orientera vers l’aide la plus adaptée.