Understanding what support and advice services are available to people affected by Female Genital Cutting/Mutilation (FGC/M) in Bristol

Female Genital Cutting/Mutilation (FGC/M) is frequently associated with prolonged physical, mental and sexual health needs. This research study was undertaken in collaboration with Caafi Health, a grass-roots health organisation, to examine the health care needs and healthcare service experiences of those affected by FGC/M. It consisted of seven focus groups involving 41 participants including both women (n=26) and men (n=15) and 14 semi-structured interviews (with 9 women and 5 men) from 10 different national backgrounds. Our study found that those affected by FGC/M have particular care needs which are not currently being met – many of which relate to sexual functioning and its impact on spousal/partner relationships and families more broadly – and are thus experiencing care poverty. This is due to the combined effects of a lack of awareness of existing services, barriers to accessing existing services including due to previous negative health care experiences, and a lack of provision of certain kinds of service to address the psycho-physiological needs arising from FGC/M.