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Genitalbeschneidung

Genital Mutilation

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), female genital mutilation describes all procedures which have the partial or full removal of the external female genitalia or their injury as their goal. 

Female genital mutilation is punishable as a human rights violation under Section 226a of the German Criminal Code. It is carried out on girls and young women from babyhood to marriage. Female genital mutilation can have enormous long-term physical and psychological consequences for victims. Some circumcised women and girls can suffer for their entire lives as a result of their genitals being mutilated. 

Find help fast

Girls and women who are threatened with female genital mutilation as well as professionals working in refugee aid, youth welfare offices, in day nurseries and schools can find further  information on the website of the Ministry for Equality of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.