WORKING CLINICALLY WITH WOMEN AND FAMILIES AFFECTED BY FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION OR CUTTING (FGM/C) 

Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is a cultural practice prevalent across many different regions and ethnic groups, affecting over 230 million women and girls worldwide. Internationally recognised as a human rights violation, a form of sexual and gender-based violence, and criminalised under Australian law, FGM/C has long-lasting physical, psychological and psychosexual impacts on women and their places within families and communities. 

Of the estimated 53 000 women and girls living in Australia who have undergone FGM/C, the majority come from refugee-like backgrounds. Those working with refugee communities are likely to work with women and families who have been affected by FGM/C and additional traumatic refugee experiences, who may be seeking asylum based on threats of FGM/C, or who may disclose the impacts of FGM/C as a primary stressor. 

 Methodology This joint half-day workshop aims to share knowledge and skills, introduce sector development initiatives, and hold space for reflective practice and collaboration for practitioners working with women and families affected by FGM/C. While the details are yet to be finalised, it will cover the following areas: 

 Part 1: 

- Knowledge Different types of FGM/C and health consequences 

 - Prevalence and socio-cultural context of FGM/C Australian legislation 

 - Psychological symptoms associated with FGM/C formulated in the context of refugee trauma 

 - Approaches to the prevention of FGM/C 

 Part 2: 

- Practice Counselling approaches and considerations 

- Case studies and reflective practice forum 

- Introducing the Dandelion Project 2024: listening to women who have experienced FGM/C to improve care quality, capacity, and integration in South Western Sydney Local Health District. 

- Introducing Best Beginnings for Baby (BeBB): a collaboration with African communities to support newly arrived families in the acculturation process and to prevent the practice of FGM/C through a co-designed parenting program.

Workshop run time: 3 hours