BREAST IRONING

Opened the debate

FGM is an abhorrent practice that has been legislated upon in the UK since 1985. However, there have not been any prosecutions for FGM in the UK despite this long-standing legislation. Breast ironing is a similar but lesser-known form of abuse, originating from Cameroon and other African countries, but now practiced in London and Birmingham as well. It involves flattening the developing breasts of young girls to make them less sexually attractive or delay puberty, leading to severe health issues like cancer, infections, abscesses, and tissue damage. The practice is hidden due to family members being the perpetrators and there are no specific laws against it in the UK; instead, common assault, child cruelty, and other offences are used. There's a need for more guidance from the government on how to identify and respond to this issue.

Government Response

Breast ironing, though not specifically illegal in the UK, is against child abuse laws. The Minister emphasised that it is an abhorrent practice and not acceptable under any circumstances. She highlighted existing legal measures such as common assault, actual bodily harm, grievous bodily harm, child cruelty and more to address this issue. There have been 129 convictions for honour-based violence in the last year, but there is a need for better guidance and training for law enforcement. The Minister also mentioned international efforts by the British High Commission to raise awareness in Cameroon and other African countries. She acknowledged that while more needs to be done, the Government are committed to tackling this issue.