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. 2018 Feb 8;17(1):21.
doi: 10.1186/s12939-017-0713-9.

Addressing female genital mutilation in Europe: a scoping review of approaches to participation, prevention, protection, and provision of services

Helen Baillot  1 , Nina Murray  1 , Elaine Connelly  1 , Natasha Howard  2
Affiliations

Addressing female genital mutilation in Europe: a scoping review of approaches to participation, prevention, protection, and provision of services

Helen Baillot et al. Int J Equity Health. .

Abstract

Background: Public and policy attention to female genital mutilation (FGM) in diaspora communities has increased in Europe, but research remains limited and misinformation abounds. As a first step to addressing these issues, this study explored FGM prevention and response interventions in Europe, using a scoping literature review and key informant interviews.

Methods: A scoping study design was selected, using Arksey and O'Malley's six-stage scoping framework to review identified sources. Key informant interviews were used to inform and add depth to literature findings. Findings were summarised thematically, guided by the Scottish Government's '4Ps' framework for tackling violence against women (i.e. participation, prevention, protection, providing services).

Results: Seventy literature sources, of 1095 screened, plus 16 individual and 3 group interview sources were included. Several countries have developed promising interventions supporting FGM resistance and recovery. However, gaps remain including community participation, professional knowledge and linkages, and evaluation of approaches.

Conclusions: This scoping review is an initial attempt to describe available primary evidence on European initiatives responding to FGM. Further research is required to determine whether interventions are effective, while policy and practice development must be shaped and driven by the experiences, needs, and views of affected communities.

Keywords: Europe; FGM; Female genital cutting; Gender based violence.

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Conflict of interest statement

Consent for publication

Written informed consent to participate and for publication of data was obtained from all participants.

Competing interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Scoping review flow diagram
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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