Member Article

FDR Law takes lead on new FGM legislation

Dorcas Akeju speaks at Cheshire and Merseyside Family Law conference

Ruth Hetherington, Partner, within the Family Department at Frodsham FDR Law, was the primary organiser behind the recent ‘Cheshire and Merseyside Family Law’ conference. The event featured a speech from FGM/Multi-Cultural Women’s Advisory Group lead, Dorcas Akeju OBE, who offers support and counselling for women who have been circumcised (Female Genital Mutilation, FGM) and ensures they get appropriate quality care. Akeju, was the Midwife Lead for FGM at the Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust where she offered support and counselling for women who had been circumcised (FGM) and ensured they got appropriate care. Dorcas is also the Chair of Liverpool FGM Group and continues to campaign against FGM.

“The event offered ongoing legal training for some 120 delegates across the North West’s legal community and featured a speech on FGM ahead of the recent introduction of the new legislation on 31st October. Doctors, nurses, midwives and teachers are now legally required to report cases of female genital mutilation (FGM) to the police. Dorcas was able to share her wealth of experience in this field and talk to delegates to raise awareness generally within the legal and social work arena,” commented Ruth Hetherington, Partner, Family Law, FDR Law.

“FGM is a serious and sensitive subject of which we need to raise awareness amongst both the legal and healthcare communities. It is vital that we are able to identify cases quickly and effectively and work together with communities to bring about swift and appropriate action,” commented Dorcas Akeju OBE.

The event was held at the Best Western Fir Grove Hotel in Warrington and was sponsored by Cheshire and Merseyside Family Justice Forum and attracted some 120 solicitors and barristers from across the region.

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