Counseling Center Flyer

The counseling center "stop mutilation Deutschland e.V." operates the only specialized center in Düsseldorf dedicated to the issue of female genital mutilation. The flyer provides information about the counseling services available and contains important information on the topic. Each flyer includes inserts in English, French, Arabic, Kiswahili, and Somali that can be passed on to those affected.

This flyer was sponsored by:

funded by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia

Documentary: 10 Years of the Counseling Center (2019)

To mark the 10th anniversary of our counseling center (2009–2019), we have published a report. In addition to key facts about female genital mutilation, the report provides information on the history of the counseling center: from its volunteer-based beginnings to the opening of our own counseling center in 2009 and up to the present day. The publication includes statistics on the counseling center’s operations and outlines the various counseling services offered: individual counseling for affected women and girls, counseling for men, counseling for professionals, prevention and protection of girls, and group counseling. Using examples, the report provides practical insight into the counseling center’s 10 years of work. It also covers the gynecological clinic and collaboration with other institutions, government agencies, professionals, and hospitals. The report also includes guidance on interacting with those affected and conducting counseling sessions.

This documentary was funded by:

funded by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia

Guidelines for Physicians, Psychologists, Midwives, and Nurses (2017)

The guide “Female Genital Mutilation & Medical Care and Prevention” is the second edition intended for healthcare professionals. Knowledge about female genital mutilation is still not sufficiently widespread among healthcare professionals. With this guide, we aim to prepare them to interact with affected women and girls in a professional and empathetic manner.

The guide provides information on the physical and psychological effects of female genital mutilation, its cultural context, and how to interact with affected women. The legal framework relevant to medical practice is explained: the criminal liability associated with female genital mutilation in Germany, the duty of confidentiality and the duty to act, and procedures to follow when a child’s well-being is at risk. In addition, the guide describes prevention strategies, discussions with parents, and the examination of the child in a pediatric practice.

The guide was funded by:

Guide for Professionals and Volunteers Working with Refugees (2016)

Due to immigration and displacement, the number of affected and at-risk women and girls in Germany rose by nearly 30 percent between late 2014 and mid-2016. This poses particular challenges for professionals, volunteer refugee aid workers, and government agencies. With the guide “Female Genital Mutilation & Counseling and Assistance for Refugee Women,” we aim to inform these target groups and support them in working with those affected.

The guide focuses primarily on the topics of counseling and support—including the role of counselors and professionals—as well as trauma and trauma therapy. It also addresses intercultural communication and the importance of language interpreters. The guide provides basic information on female genital mutilation, such as its definition and types, prevalence and distribution, consequences, and causes, and examines the legal situation of affected refugee women: international legal frameworks, asylum law, and asylum procedures in Germany.

Guide for Law Enforcement, Legal Professionals, and Government Agencies (2015)

It is important for affected women and their families to find knowledgeable and culturally sensitive points of contact within the police, the legal system, and government agencies. That is why we have created a guide specifically for these professional groups on the topic of “Female Genital Mutilation: Legal Situation and Measures.” Our goal is to raise awareness among these professionals and support them in working with those affected.

The guide contains basic information on female genital mutilation, including its prevalence and distribution, consequences, and reasons. The legal situation in Germany regarding female genital mutilation is examined from the perspectives of immigration law, criminal law, and family law. It also includes information on the fundamentals of police victim protection. For comparison, legal aspects and measures regarding FGM in Switzerland are also discussed.

This guide was funded by:

Guide for Educators (2012)

Teachers and early childhood educators can play an important role in preventing female genital mutilation and providing support to girls who have undergone or are at risk of undergoing the procedure. This is because they have contact with the girls and their families at school, in kindergarten, and at daycare centers. This requires knowledge and sensitivity regarding the issue of female genital mutilation. With this guide, we aim to provide educational professionals with useful information and support them in their work.

The guide contains basic facts about female genital mutilation, such as its prevalence and distribution, the ages of the girls affected, the reasons behind the practice, and its health consequences. It includes tips for recognizing an impending or existing case of FGM and recommendations for discussing the issue with parents. The guide provides a detailed overview of the legal situation and the step-by-step procedure to follow when a child’s well-being is at risk. Additionally, the guide examines legislation and measures in neighboring countries, France and the Netherlands.

The guide was funded by: