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Trauma-Informed Care for Survivors of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)
3Ws: WHERE, WHO, & WHY
FGM/C cases have been reported in western countries including the U.S., Australia, U.K, France, Italy, Germany...
Who's Doing It and How?
Medical Setting
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Performed by licensed clinicians.
Non Medical Setting
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Performed by a circumciser with no medical training.
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Tools are knives, scissors, broken glass, and razor blades.
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Anesthetics and antiseptics are not generally used.
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The instruments are not sterilized.
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Same tool is used on a group of girls.
Ages
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Ages are generally from 7-10.
Some of the justifications
Justifications
Reasons are diverse, more often related to tradition and/or gender inequality.
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Decrease sexual sensitivity.
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Preserve virginity/chastity.
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Social acceptance/sense of belonging.
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Hygiene/cleanliness.
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Family honor.
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Rite of passage for marriage.
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Morality and fidelity.
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Aesthetics/beauty.
Source: World Health Organization, 2019
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