Virtual College Has Launched New Course

The course is aimed towards members of the public who may become aware of a person at risk of, or who has experienced FGM, as well as those with regular community contact who may overhear conversations that raise concerns, such as taxi drivers, retail and hospitality workers, and community volunteers. With a goal of raising awareness of FGM and its implications, the course covers topics including:

• The origins and motives of FGM
• How to differentiate between different types of FGM
• Explain how to help those who are at risk of or who may have experienced FGM, and what to avoid doing

Virtual College is also launching a paid version of the course as part of their safeguarding suite, for those working in sectors where they would be likely to receive disclosures about FGM or may encounter FGM in young people and communities they work closely with.

Jamie Ashforth, Director of Business and Strategy at Virtual College, had this to say on the course launch:

"Over 41,000 women have been identified by the NHS of having experienced FGM over the past ten years, with an estimated 137,000 women and girls currently living with the consequences of FGM in the UK, making it clear that it’s far from being a dead practice. Stats like these emphasise why we need to keep conversations surrounding FGM active, and keep educating people on how to recognise the signs that someone may be vulnerable to it."

"This course has been put together following the latest government guidance, and we hope that those who complete it will feel more comfortable approaching the topic in the future."