Regional Prevalence

It is estimated that over 600,000 girls and women residing in European countries have experienced FGM/C

The majority of these women and girls reside in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. Additionally, it is estimated that between 133,924 and 189,438 women and girls (the majority are girls under the age of 18) are at risk of FGM/C. The majority of these reside in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Spain and Belgium. The majority of girls and women who have undergone FGM/C or are at risk of it originate from FGM/C-practising countries in Africa. Awareness of FGM/C in Europe has grown enormously in recent years, thanks to the efforts of many organisations and advertising campaigns such as the award-winning 'It Happens Here' campaign. The End FGM European Network is the portal for FGM/C-related matters in the European Union.

Regional Prevalence

Highest Prevalence

The majority of women and girls who have experienced FGM/C reside in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden.

Girls at Risk

It is estimated that between 133,924 and 189,438 girls and women are at risk of FGM. The majority of those at risk reside in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Spain and Belgium.

FGM/C Legislation

Only three countries (Ireland, Sweden and the United Kingdom) have laws that explicitly and specifically criminalise FGM/C.

Criminal Codes

Thirteen countries have specific provisions in their national criminal codes explicitly criminalising FGM/C: Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.

Latest Research

Reports Resources