HAMPSHIRE'S police and crime commissioner has called for more support in raising the profile of Female Genital Mutilation.
The practice involves partial or total removing of female genitalia.
Police and crime commissioner, Donna Jones, wants to raise the profile of the practice in order to prevent more women and girls suffering the "lesser known form of violence".
This comes as February 6 marked the United Nations sponsored annual International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Ms Jones added: “Whilst FGM is not hitting the headlines in the same way as rape and sexual assaults it is no less traumatic for the victims.
"It is important that we raise awareness and understanding of these harmful practices, that we support and empower community groups and develop education and training programmes so we can identify those at risk and prevent more girls from these damaging procedures.”
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