Conference highlights problem of female genital mutilation

ABOUT 120 lawyers from across the North West attended a conference at Warrington which highlighted the problem of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and offered ongoing legal training.
The Cheshire and Merseyside Family Law conference, organised by Ruth Hetherington (pictured), partner within the family department at FDR Law, Frodsham was held at the Best Western Fir Grove Hotel, Grappenhall.
One of the speakers was by Dorcas Akeju, chairman of the Liverpool FGM Group and the FGM/Multi-Cultural Women’s Advisory Group lead.
She was the midwife lead for FGM at the Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, where she offered support and counselling  for women who have been circumcised (FGM) and continues to campaign against the practice.
Ruth Hetherington said the event offered ongoing legal training in the light of the recent introduction of the new legislation.
Doctors, nurses, midwives and teachers are now legally required to report cases of FGM to the police.
“Dorcas was able to share her wealth of experience in this field and talk to delegates to raise awareness generally within the legal and social work arena,”
Dorcas Akeju said: “FGM is a serious and sensitive subject of which we need to raise awareness amongst both the legal and healthcare communities.  It is vital that we are able to identify cases quickly and effectively and work together with communities to bring about swift and appropriate action.”
The event was sponsored by Cheshire and Merseyside Family Justice Forum.