SCHOOLS in Gwent and across Wales have been urged to be alert of the signs of female genital mutilation.

Education secretary Kirsty Williams has written to headteachers across the country to remind them of their responsibilities in identifying and protecting victims.

The practice, also known as FGM, involves the deliberate mutilation of female genitalia, and is usually carried out on girls between infancy and the age of 15. It is most common in communities originating from parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Ms Williams said: “I have written to schools to seek their assistance in helping eradicate this particularly abhorrent form of violence against women and girls.

“It is imperative we all recognise the warning signs of a child who might be at risk.

“FGM is child abuse and a criminal offence.

“It cannot be justified as a cultural or religious practice and leaders of all main faiths have rightly spoken out against it.”

Saying staff at schools and colleges have a “crucial” role in protecting young people from abuse, Ms Williams said it was important they are aware of the signs of FGM.

“Staff should also be aware that young girls may be taken abroad in summer holidays to undergo FGM, as procedures take up to four weeks to heal,” she said.

“The procedure may therefore be performed before a girl returns to school at the start of the autumn term.

“It is essential that staff are vigilant in looking for signs of FGM after the school holidays and report anything that may seem suspicious to the appropriate professional.

“I want all of us to be more aware of this unacceptable abuse, so together we can put an end to FGM in Wales.”

Although it is illegal in the UK, it is estimated around 137,000 women and girls in the country have been affected.

Any suspected cases of FGM should be reported to police.

Support is available from the NSPCC’s 24 hour FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550. A range of of materials are available on the Welsh Government’s online learning platform Hwb.