CAMPAIGNERS say the "extremely secretive" nature of illegal Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is blocking prosecutions of the crime in Scotland.

 

Police Scotland has investigated 14 cases related to FGM between April 2013 and March 2014 - the most recent figures - but no criminality was found.

It came after the Evening Times highlighted the illegal practice, known as female 'circumcision' which affects thousands of families in Scotland.

Yesterday we told the story of survivor Soffie, 32, who underwent the potentially fatal procedure when she was four-years-old in her home country of The Gambia.

She spoke of her fears for the 350 girls born in Scotland every year to parents from communities where FGM is part of their culture.

The cutting is carried out for several reasons but in many areas it is to improve girls' marriage prospects.

Anela Anwar, of charity Roshni said: "It is true that despite legislation criminalising FGM since 1985 there has yet to be a prosecution in Scotland.

"This is indicative of the extremely secretive and hidden nature of FGM within practicing communities.

"Other countries, such as France, are able to boast high prosecution rates due to the nature of their health services, with routine physical examinations of children highlighting cases where young girls have been mutilated.

"Whilst this may result in the prosecution of individuals for FGM related offences, it does little to prevent FGM from happening in the first place."

Ms Anwar said "frontline staff" in Scotland had to look out for signs.

She said: "We all have a role to play to end FGM. Our frontline staff in universal services, such as the NHS and schools, must be aware of FGM, the signs and indicators that a child is at risk of FGM or has already been mutilated.

"Roshni strongly believe that working directly with affected communities is key to ending the practice of FGM."

New figures from children's charity the NSPCC, who set up a special FGM helpline in June 2013, show the number of people speaking out is increasing.

From June 2013 until January 31 this year, the helpline received 558 contacts - 10 from Scotland.

NSPCC Scotland's policy and public affairs manager, Joanne Smith, said: the helpline was a "small piece of this puzzle", adding: "but it signifies our recognition that female genital mutilation is unquestionably child abuse and that we are committed to bringing it to an end".

Police Scotland's superintendent Willie Guild said: "We are committed to doing everything we possibly can to prevent children and young women being subjected to FGM and to working sensitively with survivors to ensure they receive the support they require.

"We will pursue and bring to justice those responsible for committing FGM whenever possible."