Resources for Professionals Supporting Survivors and People at Risk of Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting

Healthcare Providers

For All Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers can support survivors of FGM/C by offering trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive care that emphasizes consent, confidentiality, and dignity. This involves:

Expanding clinical knowledge of FGM/C without stigmatizing survivors.
Clearly explaining legal responsibilities such as mandatory reporting and addressing both physical and mental health needs through sensitive communication and suitable referrals.
Providing accurate information to counter misinformation and actively help survivors navigate complex systems like healthcare, legal, and social services.

Resources

Health Care Provider Toolkit FGM/C Educational Toolkit Project
Screening for FGM/C: Approaches and Considerations (PDF)
FGM/C Patient Self-Advocacy Tool - Free to be downloaded and available in English, French, and Arabic
Differences between FGM/C and Gender Affirming Care (PDF)
Who Can Help? A Guide to Finding the Right Medical Care for Survivors of Female Genital Cutting
Empowered Narratives: Reflections from Survivor Listening Sessions
Global Health and Legal Landscape Report on FGM/C

Research Studies

Media Articles

Survivor Stories

Primary Care Providers

Primary care providers are often the first point of contact for people seeking healthcare support. They support survivors of FGM/C by offering trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive care that emphasizes consent, confidentiality, and dignity. Primary care providers can connect survivors with a broad range of specialized services to ensure seamless and holistic care, including:

mental health
legal aid
restoration surgery specialists

Research Studies

Survivor Stories

Questions by Sarata | Voices to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (YouTube)

OB/GYNs

OBGYNs can support survivors of FGM/C by offering trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive care that emphasizes consent, confidentiality, and dignity. This involves:

Offering specialized care for reproductive and birth needs, given how FGM/C can impact pregnancy and childbirth
Making sure to have expertise in managing obstetric and gynecological complications associated with FGM/C, such as performing deinfibulation when medically necessary or requested
Providing appropriate care during delivery.
Being the central coordinator to connect survivors with a broad range of specialized services, to ensure seamless and holistic care, including:
mental health
legal aid
restoration surgery specialists
Making sure physical examination are respectful, such as using language that is culturally responsive and nonjudgmental during exams.
Making sure to provide clear follow-up and pain management plans.

Research Studies

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Related to Reproductive Health Needs During Pregnancy and Birth

Survivor Stories

Pediatric Providers

Girls who are most likely at risk of FGM/C in Washington are:
- before kindergarten (30.3%)
- elementary (30.4%)
- middle school (19.3%)
- high school (14.1%)

Pediatricians must be able to identify warning signs and provide culturally responsive care to impacted communities related to FGM/C.

Research Studies

A Summary of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting for the Pediatric and Adolescent Care Provider

Survivor Stories

Finding My Voice by Renee Bergstrom | Voices to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (YouTube)

Surgical Providers

Surgeons can offer accurate, unbiased information while emphasizing that restoration surgery is not required to heal. Support should be grounded in informed consent, survivor autonomy, and trauma-informed care. They should pay attention to the emotional and psychological impacts before and after surgery. Providers should use culturally responsive, nonjudgmental language, coordinate multidisciplinary care, and ensure clear follow-up and pain management.

At the systems level, they can advocate for ethical access, training, and coverage, recognizing that the survivor defines healing and it may extend beyond surgical outcomes.

Research Studies

Resources

Survivor Stories

Reclaiming My Power by Sinnah Bangura | Voices to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (YouTube)

School Nurses

Girls who are most likely at risk of FGM/C in Washington are:

before kindergarten (30.3%)
elementary (30.4%)
middle school (19.3%)
high school (14.1%)

School nurses must be able to identify warning signs and provide culturally responsive care to impacted communities related to FGM/C.

School nurses can support survivors of FGM/C by providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and confidential care. They can recognize health needs without assumptions, offer age-appropriate information, connect students to appropriate services, explain reporting obligations clearly, and advocate for survivor-centered school policies that promote safety, dignity, and prevention.

Resources

Research Studies

Media Articles

Survivor Stories

Same Same by Karen Kwok | Voices to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (YouTube)

Mental Health Care Providers

Limited research has been done on the mental health effects of FGM/C, but the research that has been done points to long-term issues, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders. A research study published in The Lancet found “very little attention” has been paid to the intersections between mental and physical health consequences of FGM/C. There is a need for a stronger focus on mental health needs and interventions.

Up to 55% of women who have undergone FGM/C in certain studies reported symptoms of PTSD. A study of asylum seekers who experienced FGM/C in the U.S. found that 92% had symptoms of anxiety and depression. Provers can support survivors by offering trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive care that emphasizes consent, confidentiality, and dignity. This involves:

Individual mental health counseling and therapy with licensed professionals who have formal training around FGM/C
Group therapy with licensed professionals who have formal training around FGM/C
Peer support groups for survivors of FGM/C to connect and share experiences and healing

Resources

Research Studies

Media Articles

Survivor Stories

Community Health Workers

Community health workers can support survivors of FGM/C by offering culturally responsive, trauma-informed support rooted in trust and community knowledge. They can provide accurate health information, counter misinformation, and help survivors navigate healthcare, legal, and social services. By facilitating referrals, supporting informed decision-making, and advocating for survivor-centered approaches, community health workers help ensure care is accessible, respectful, and aligned with survivors’ needs and priorities.

Resources

FGM/C Patient Self-Advocacy Tool - (English, French, and Arabic)
Screening for FGM/C: Approaches and Considerations (PDF)
Empowered Narratives: Reflections from Survivor Listening Sessions
Global Health and Legal Landscape Report on FGM/C

Research Studies

Estimating excess mortality due to female genital mutilation

Media Articles

Survivor Stories

Silence by Jenny Cordle | Voices to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (YouTube)

Other Professions

Educational Systems

Schools play a critical role in preventing FGM/C. Educators and school staff often have ongoing relationships with students and may have insight into family and cultural contexts. This can help them notice warning signs and intervene when a child may be at risk of FGM/C, or support a child who experienced FGM/C.

Support can include:

Professional development and training workshops for teachers, school nurses, counselors, and administrators about FGM/C
Establishment and enforcement of FGM/C prevention protocols with designated teams to assess at-risk students
Building partnerships with parents and community organizations to raise awareness about the health and legal consequences of FGM/C
Distribution of educational tools and resources for students, parents, and staff

Resources

Research Studies

Media Articles

Survivor Stories

Child Protective Services

Child Protective Services (CPS) can support survivors by recognizing FGM/C as a form of child abuse and responding with culturally informed, trauma-informed, and non-punitive approaches. CPS staff can:

Prioritize the safety and well-being of the child, conduct careful risk assessments, and avoid unnecessary family separation that can cause additional harm.
Provide clear information about legal protections, safety planning, and available services. .
Connect survivors and families to specialized medical care, mental health services, and community-based, survivor-led organizations.
Engage in training on FGM/C to help staff reduce potential biases, build trust, and strengthen prevention and early intervention efforts.

Resources

The Child Welfare Response to FGM/C
Approaches to Discussing FGM/C with Youth resource (PDF)
Guidelines for Engaging with Survivors of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (PDF)
Why screen for FGM/C?
Bill of Rights for Survivors of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)
Matter of Adoption of Peggy, 436 Mass. 690, 767 N.E.2d 29 (Mass. 2002)
WEBINAR: Framing FGM/C: Understanding and Engaging with Cultural Sensitivity
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services facts for Child Welfare Professionals (PDF)
Child Welfare Policy: Kentucky policy for child welfare acceptance criteria. Kentucky uses the SDM Intake Tool to help with acceptance decisions - 2.3 Acceptance Criteria - Standards of Practice Manual
Kentucky Child Welfare Intake Form: SDM® INTAKE ASSESSMENT (PDF)
Kentucky Child Welfare Manual: 2.15.10 Investigation of Female Genital Mutilation - Standards of Practice Manual

Research Studies

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in the United States. A study of the prevalence, distribution, and impact of FGM/C in the U.S.

Survivor Stories

The Verbal Cut by Maryan Abdikadir | Voices to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (YouTube)

Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Advocates

Advocates can support survivors of FGM/C by providing trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive care that prioritizes safety, dignity, and autonomy. Advocates can:

Recognize FGM/C as a form of gender-based violence.
Avoid stigma or assumptions about families and communities.
Offer emotional support, conduct sensitive assessments, and connect survivors to appropriate medical, mental health, legal, and social services.
Participate in formal training on FGM/C laws, physical and mental health impacts, and cultural contexts to reduce bias and improve responses by advocates and crisis hotline staff.
Partner with trusted community organizations and survivor-led groups to strengthen prevention efforts and support healing and empowerment.

Resources

Research Studies

Estimating excess mortality due to female genital mutilation

Survivor Stories

Finding My Voice by Renee Bergstrom | Voices to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (YouTube)

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement officials can support survivors of FGM/C by employing trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive practices that prioritize safety, dignity, choice, consent, and confidentiality throughout their interactions. This comprehensive approach involves:

Employing cultural humility and avoiding stigmatizing language, ensuring no excuse of harm or reinforcement of stereotypes.
Clearly explaining all legal options and responsibilities (such as mandatory reporting), respecting survivors’ informed choices regarding reporting or participation in the justice system.
Collaborating with healthcare, child welfare, and community-based organizations to facilitate holistic support, including medical, mental health, and legal services.
Learning about FGM/C without stigmatizing survivors.
Addressing physical and mental health needs through sensitive communication and suitable referrals.
Providing accurate information to counter misinformation about FGM/C and impacted communities.
Implementing ongoing training and clear protocols to shift the focus from punitive enforcement toward prevention, protection, and trust-building within affected communities.

Resources

Research Studies

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in the United States. A study of the prevalence, distribution, and impact of FGM/C in the U.S.

Media Articles

Wrongly accused of genital cutting, a Muslim mom won’t accept ‘case closed’

Survivor Stories

My Body Belongs to Me by Zahra Qaiyumi | Voices to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (YouTube)

Prosecuting Attorneys

Prosecuting attorneys can support survivors of FGM/C by using survivor-centered, trauma-informed approaches that prioritize safety, dignity, and informed choice throughout the legal process.

Cleary explain legal options, potential outcomes, and risks, allowing survivors to make decisions without pressure.
Avoid re-traumatization by limiting unnecessary testimony and using protective measures when possible.
Partner with advocates, healthcare providers, and culturally responsive organizations ensures survivors have access to comprehensive support services.
Promote prevention by supporting education, policy development, and legal strategies to protect communities without reinforcing stigma or discrimination.
Legal professionals, including prosecuting attorneys, can continue to attend trainings, professional development, and further capacity building on FGM/C, including staying updated on case law, state and federal laws, and urgent legal needs for survivors related to FGM/C.