Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling violence against women and girls as part of International Zero Tolerance of FGM Day.
The PCC gave a speech at a major conference organised by the University of Birmingham to mark the event today.
He outlined how tackling VAWG is one of his top priorities – and how it will play a major part in his upcoming new Police and Crime Plan.
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “Female genital mutilation is a criminal offence. It is a form of violence against women and girls and in the latter case it is child abuse. It is also a violation of the human rights, the health and the integrity of women and girls.
“Preventing and tackling violence against women and girls in all its forms is a top priority for me. I am pleased to be supporting International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation at this Conference today.”
“It is imperative that the rights and welfare of victims and survivors of FGM are protected and safeguarded, so that they are able to access the specialist support services they need to cope and recover.
“Committed and collective action is needed, engaging communities and focusing on human rights, gender equality, sexual education and law enforcement, to eliminate female genital mutilation and ensure an equal and just future for women and girls everywhere.”
The PCC also revealed how he has put funding towards safeguarding training and lessons to some schools in Birmingham.
Specialist education charity, Sundial Centre for Education on Harmful Practices, a charity operating in the South East and the Midlands, will be sending awareness-raising postcards to every school in Birmingham.
Aiming to support girls at risk and survivors of FGM, the postcards include the NSPCC’s dedicated FGM Helpline and offer schools Sundial’s FGM safeguarding training and lessons.
The safeguarding training and lessons are available to some state schools free of charge, with support from the PCC, the National Lottery and the Garfield Weston Foundation.
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