FGM 

FGM

🔗 KEY LINKS

FAMILY SUPPORT

FAMILY ALLOWANCE FOR CHILDREN/YOUTH

📍 HELPFUL CONTACTS

  • APAV: Legal and emotional support (📞 116 006)

  • CIG: Gender-based violence response (📞 800 202 148)

  • APF: Reproductive and sexual health support

Mulheres Sem Fronteiras: Community-based migrant women's support

WHAT IS IT?

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.


STEP BY STEP GUIDE

1. Ensure Immediate Safety

If the person is at risk of undergoing FGM (especially a child), or is in danger:

  • Call the helpline for children in danger: 96 123 11 11 (24/7 emergency helpline)

  • Or call the police:  112

If FGM has already occurred and medical help is needed:

  • Go to the nearest hospital or health center (Centro de Saúde)

2. Seek Medical Attention

  • FGM survivors can access gynecological care and mental health support through the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS)

  • Contact your local Centro de Saúde or go to a hospital like Hospital de Santa Maria, Maternidade Alfredo da Costa or Hospital Fernando da Fonseca)

3. Access Psychological Support

  • Ask a doctor or social worker to refer you to a psychologist or trauma counselor

  • You can also be referred through:

    • APAV (116 006)

    • Centro de Saúde (via SNS)

    • NGOs like APF or JRS

4. Report the Situation (Optional but Encouraged)

FGM is illegal in Portugal and considered a form of gender-based violence and child abuse.

  • Report the case to:

    • CNPDPCJ (child protection authority)

    • APAV (for adult victims or survivors)

    • CIG (for legal and protective support)

  • Reporting is confidential, and the survivor will not be punished

5. Connect with Support Organizations

Reach out to trusted NGOs for:

  • Case management

  • Legal referrals

  • Emotional support

  • Assistance navigating Portuguese institutions

National Emergency Number: Call: 112 [available 24/7]

Relevant contacts

APAV – Portuguese Association for Victim Support

Provides legal guidance, emotional support, and protection to victims of crime, including FGM.

  • 📍 Rua José Estêvão 135 A, Lisboa

  • 📞 Victim Support Helpline: 116 006 (free, confidential, 24/7)

🌐 Website:www.apav.pt


CIG – Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality

National authority promoting gender equality and protecting individuals from gender-based violence, including FGM.

🌐 Website:www.cig.gov.pt

DGS – Direção-Geral da Saúde | Division of Sexual, Reproductive, Child and Youth Health

Coordinates national health policy related to sexual and reproductive health, including prevention of FGM.

🌐 Website:www.dgs.pt

CNPDPCJ – National Commission for the Protection of Children and Young People at Risk

Coordinates the national child protection system; handles cases involving minors.

🌐 Website:www.cnpdpcj.gov.pt

Additional contacts of NGO´s

APF – Associação para o Planeamento da Família

Offers sexual and reproductive health services, education, and counseling; experienced in FGM awareness and prevention.

🌐 Website:www.apf.pt

Associação Mulheres sem Fronteiras

A grassroots organization supporting migrant women, offering community-based assistance, awareness-raising, and advocacy against practices like FGM.

🌐 Facebook Page:facebook.com/mulheressemfronteiras

HELP US STAY UP TO DATE: REPORT AN ISSUE, SUGGEST AN EDIT OR LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE AWARE OF ANY NEWS OR SCAMS THAT SHOULD BE SHARED!

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