Female genital mutilation survivors face multiple obstacles preventing them from seeking help or reporting crimes, a victim has told senior police, prosecutors and government ministers at a national conference on honour-based abuse.
Huja, who underwent FGM at three months old in The Gambia, spoke directly to criminal justice leaders about why these devastating crimes remain significantly underreported to authorities. She addressed the Crown Prosecution Service, Home Office and National Police Chiefs’ Council conference on 3 February.
The survivor explained that many victims do not realise they have been subjected to FGM because the procedure often occurs when they are babies or very young children. Cultural acceptance, fear of being ostracised from their community, and lack of awareness about the law create substantial barriers to disclosure.
“Survivors often have to overcome multiple barriers to get to support and disclose the harm they have suffered,” Huja stated. She described how she remained unaware of what had happened to her until her wedding night, despite experiencing symptoms throughout her life that she later discovered were related to FGM.
According to Huja, her aunt arranged the cutting procedure out of love, reflecting how these practices are often celebrated within communities where FGM is common. Women who have not undergone the procedure can face stigma, whilst families frequently feel pressure to protect perpetrators rather than support victims.
CPS data reveals that during the 12 months ending September 2025, charges were authorised against 114 suspects flagged under the honour-based abuse monitoring system. Officials acknowledge these figures represent only a fraction of actual crimes committed.
Honour-based abuse encompasses crimes including domestic abuse, sexual abuse, forced marriage and FGM, typically perpetrated by family members, extended relatives or community members. Offences are carried out with the aim of protecting or defending perceived family or community honour.
Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson, Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips MP, NPCC lead ACC Emma James and Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP heard Huja’s testimony at the conference.
Baljit Ubhey, Director of Policy at the CPS, stated: “Only by listening to victims of these horrific and multi-dimensional crimes can we respond effectively across the criminal justice system.” She added that stories such as Huja’s were vital to identifying obstacles and barriers that must be overcome to bring more perpetrators to justice.
Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips stated there is no honour in honour-based abuse and confirmed the government is introducing a new legal definition to ensure victims receive appropriate support whilst perpetrators face prosecution. “My message to those who commit these crimes is simple: we will use the full power of the state to bring you to justice,” she stated.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma James encouraged anyone who has experienced abuse to report it to police when ready, promising victims would be met with empathy and understanding. She thanked Huja and all survivors for working with authorities to make change.
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP acknowledged that too many victims have been let down and stated the government is committed to seeing more prosecutions. She emphasised the importance of partners across the system working together to move cases forward and improve victims’ confidence.
Huja called for unity amongst professionals working to tackle honour-based abuse, stating that communities and professionals must collaborate to ensure survivors access support. “Education is the only way that we will achieve long lasting change,” she stated, highlighting the need to support charities such as Sundial Centre for Education on Harmful Practices in safeguarding at-risk girls.
Delegates at the conference were urged to recognise the complex pressures victims face and support them through all available options beyond criminal justice routes. The multi-agency approach aims to build confidence for survivors to come forward and contribute to the government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls within the next decade.
