Female genital mutilation or cutting refers to a barbaric practice involving partial or total removal of female genitalia or other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This terrible crime occurs in many parts of the world and is impacting victims here in the United States.
On Friday, October 30, 2020, the Office of Justice Programs announced that the Office for Victims of Crime has funded the first Department of Justice program to address the needs victims of female genital mutilation or cutting.
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In a video message about the program, Director Jessica E. Hart states “I hope this funding helps to raise awareness of the danger to women and girls of FGM/C, as well as support the organizations—including domestic violence and child abuse service providers—and first responders that may encounter victims of this inhumane crime.”
The Office for Victims of Crime awarded nearly $1.8 million to six recipients to increase education, detection and local partner engagement, forming community networks of agencies and organizations to address and help stop the victimization; and over $1.1 million to provide targeted technical assistance to front-line providers on how to identify and serve victims and persons at-risk of being victimized.