Thursday June 25, 2020
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Genital mutilation is a serious crime and many sufferers suffer for life. More and more women are also affected in Germany. Thousands of girls are at risk of the operation, but help is also available.
The number of girls and women affected by female genital mutilation has increased significantly in Germany. 68,000 women and girls are affected, said the Federal Minister for Family Affairs and SPD politician Franziska Giffey. Compared to data provided by the ministry three years ago in February, this is an increase of 44 percent.
Most of the women affected came from Eritrea, Somalia, Indonesia, Egypt and Nigeria. The reason for the increase, according to Giffey, is the increased immigration from these states. The numbers are also alarmingly high among minors: up to 14,880 girls in Germany are at risk of female genital mutilation.
Giffey also said that it was not easy to collect such data. “It is a criminal offense, so we are doing darkfield research here.” According to the information provided by the Ministry, the survey was carried out using a methodology developed by the European Institute for Gender Equality.
“Female genital mutilation is a serious human rights violation and an archaic offense that violates girls and women ‘s right to physical integrity and sexual self-determination,” said the SPD politician. The aim is to protect girls and young women from it and to offer help. Midwives could provide support for those affected. In addition, Giffey referred to the nationwide help line “Violence against women”, which is also available around the clock with multilingual contacts.
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