Female Genital Mutilation - Treating the Tears

This book deals with the topical and controversial issue of female circumcision. A thoroughly researched and academic work, it aims to raise awareness not only of the physical but also the psychological effects of this procedure.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has re-surfaced in the UK since the 1980s following the migration of people from FGM-practising countries. As a result, health care professionals are likely to encounter girls and women who have been, or are 'at risk' of being circumcised.
Female Genital Mutilation describes how the UK has no effective procedure either to identify girls 'at risk' or those who have been taken away to be circumcised. In addition, there is no blanket training, information, or guidance to health professionals, and few support mechanisms for girls who have suffered from their experience. Dr Lockhat argues that there is a great opportunity for their work to be co-ordinated, for good practice to be shared, and a real difference to be made. From extensive interviews with circumcised women, she details their experiences and recommends ways forward for all those wo may be involved in their care.

Written in a highly accessible style, the book will be of great value to policy makers and to those involved in health, social care and community work.