CPS Prosecution Guidance on Female Genital Mutilation
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This prosecution guidance addresses Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a criminal offence and outlines the broad legal framework, evidential considerations, prosecutorial steps, and public interest factors relevant to prosecuting FGM cases. It provides details on types of FGM, the roles of various stakeholders, and information on protective measures for victims, such as FGM Protection Orders. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of victim support and considerations in cases involving piercing and cosmetic surgery.
Key points
- FGM is a serious criminal offence with severe penalties.
- Mandatory reporting of known FGM cases in girls under 18.
- FGM Protection Orders can be issued to safeguard at-risk individuals.
- Breach of FGM Protection Orders can lead to criminal prosecution.
- The legal framework is established under the FGM Act 2003 and related legislation.
Public-interest factors
- The victim's age and vulnerability.
- The severity of the harm caused.
- The victim's wishes regarding prosecution.
- Potential risk of future harm to others.
- The offender's history and likelihood of reoffending.
- Public interest in ending harmful traditional practices.
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.