Genital circumcision

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), female circumcision refers to all procedures that aim to partially or completely remove or injure the female external genitalia

Circumcision of the female genitalia is punishable as a human rights violation under Section 226a of the German Criminal Code (StGB). It is performed on girls and young women from infancy to marriage. Circumcision can lead to considerable physical and psychological long-term consequences for those affected. Some circumcised women and girls suffer from their circumcision for the rest of their lives.

Find help quickly

Girls and women threatened and affected by female genital mutilation as well as professionals in refugee aid, youth welfare offices, daycare centers and schools can find further information on the website of the Ministry of Gender Equality of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.