Policing of FGM and Forced Marriage will put the victim at the heart of investigation

Commander Chishty said:

“I very much welcome the range of measures announced today at the Girl Summit, which support what we as a service have been committing ourselves to as we seek to play our part in eradicating the harmful practices of FGM and forced marriage.

“The legislative steps to permit the prosecution of parents who fail to prevent their daughter undergoing FGM will be a useful tool in safeguarding vulnerable girls, as will the legislative measures proposed to guarantee the lifetime anonymity of victims from the point of allegation, which will be invaluable in supporting prosecutions. In addition, we are also heartened that the government have shown themselves in agreement with us on the introduction of FGM Prevention Orders, which will, we are sure, have the same positive impact as Forced Marriage Protection Orders have.

“The police service has previously and currently supported measures such as those put forward in today’s package and has raised these issues in recent consultations with Parliament, particularly in our submissions to the recent Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry into FGM.

“All police forces in England and Wales have signed up to a protocol with the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to the investigation and prosecution of FGM, and joint training on FGM for police officers and CPS investigators, supported by the College of Policing, commenced in February of this year.

“Our priority is creating systems for tackling FGM and forced marriage which put the victim at the heart of investigations, empowering them so they feel confident to come forward and supporting them so they can pursue their complaint fully.

“We are also continuing with our programme of working with communities to raise awareness and educate them about the harm of FGM and forced marriage and will be focusing on early investigations and the building of good-quality evidence with the CPS, so that all those concerned in the practices of FGM and forced marriage will know that they can no longer carry out or aid these shameful practices with impunity.”

ENDS

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk