Freedom Charity welcomes the law making virginity testing and hymenoplasty criminal offences across the UK.
At Freedom we work to secure changes in law and policy that better protect people at risk of forced marriage, FGM and other forms of Dishonour Abuse.
On 16 June 2014 forced marriage became a criminal offence in England and Wales under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Virginity testing and hymenoplasty are now illegal across the UK under the Health and Care Act 2022. It is illegal to carry out, offer, or aid and abet either practice. Read the current government guidance.
The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 was strengthened by the Serious Crime Act 2015. Since 31 October 2015, regulated health and social care professionals and teachers in England and Wales must report to the police known cases of FGM in girls under 18 that are identified in the course of their professional work. The duty applies to cases disclosed by the girl or visually identified by the professional; suspected or at-risk cases should be handled through normal safeguarding procedures. Read the mandatory reporting guidance.
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