Female genital cutting is a criminal offence in the Netherlands
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In the Netherlands, female genital cutting is prohibited. It is a criminal offence, even if the procedure is carried out abroad. With the school holidays about to begin, this is important to know. Read more about it in this article.
There are many girls and women living in the Netherlands who come from countries where
Female genital cutting is a form of child abuse
Female genital cutting involves cutting away or damaging part of a girl’s or woman’s genitals without any medical necessity. It often has serious consequences. Girls may experience severe pain, lose a lot of blood, develop infections and even die. Problems often arise later in life too, such as pain when urinating or during menstruation, difficulties with sex and complicated childbirth. It can also cause psychological problems, such as anxiety and trauma. Many women suffer from pain or complications for the rest of their lives. In the Netherlands, it is therefore regarded as a form of abuse.
What is the penalty for female genital cutting?
Female genital cutting has been banned and is a criminal offence in the Netherlands since 2006. The penalty can be severe: up to 12 years’ imprisonment. If the girl dies, the sentence may be 15 years. The penalty is even higher if the perpetrator is a family member or if the girl is under 18 years of age.
And anyone who assists with the cutting is liable to prosecution. Not only the person performing the cut, but also the parents and anyone else who helps. A doctor who assists is also liable to prosecution. The Netherlands takes a strict line on this.
Even if the cut takes place abroad, it is a criminal offence. Do you live in the Netherlands? If so, you are not allowed to have a girl cut in another country either.
Girls at risk of female genital cutting are not allowed to leave the Netherlands
Female genital cutting still takes place. This includes girls living in the Netherlands. It often happens in secret. It is therefore difficult to know how often it occurs. According to
The House of Representatives also wants schools, doctors and social workers to report cases to
Where can you go for help or advice?
Are you worried about a girl or a woman? Are you afraid that this might happen to you or someone you know this summer, in the Netherlands or whilst travelling? Or do you have any questions or concerns? Talk about it with someone you trust, such as a teacher, doctor or social worker. Or a member of staff at
Is a girl or woman in immediate danger? If so, call 112.
Declaration against female genital cutting states: female genital cutting is prohibited
If you do not want your daughter to be cut, it can be difficult to tell your family. Your family may have a different view on the matter. There is a risk involved if you visit your family in your country of origin.
A ‘declaration against female genital cutting’ has been drawn up to inform your family there about the consequences of female genital cutting and the fact that it is a criminal offence in the Netherlands. You can obtain this declaration from a paediatric nurse or paediatrician if you state that you do not want your daughter to undergo female genital cutting. The declaration can be found on
For further information or assistance, you can also contact:
Veilig Thuis . The staff at Veilig Thuis are there to listen and help. You can call them free of charge and anonymously for advice or to report an incident. Call 0800-2000.Your
The
De Kindertelefoon . Are you aged between 8 and 18? If so, you can call or chat to Kindertelefoon for free. Call (0800) 0432. You do not need to give your name.