Upcoming BAFS Events
Venue: Online
This webinar aims to examine the essential aspects of an acute presentation of female genital mutilation (FGM) in a child and the criminal investigation, whilst ensuring the welfare of the child remains paramount.
In this session, key speakers will cover the clinical aspects of the child's presentation, assessment and clinical care, safeguarding the child, along with aspects of the police investigation and evidence gathering. It will also cover the case building, charging decision and prosecution.
During this session, you will:
- Understand the acute presentation and care of a child following FGM
- Appreciate the multi-disciplinary approach to and complexity of investigation, case-building and prosecution
- Hear about the importance of the de-brief and learning from such a case
- Describe the importance of safeguarding the child
This annual event is a joint meeting run in conjunction with the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM)
Agenda:
Welcome and introduction
Dr Bernadette Butler, President, Clinical Forensic and Legal Medicine Section, Royal Society of Medicine and Tracy Alexander, President, British Academy of Forensic Sciences
Session one: Initial presentation and investigation and clinical assessment
Presentation and early investigation: Securing the forensic scene, evidence gathering
Detective Constable Lauren Brady and Detective Constable Laura Welham, Metropolitan Police Service
Clinical presentation of female genital mutilation, assessment and clinical evidence
Dr Deborah Hodes, Consultant Paediatrician, University College Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and The Lighthouse
Comfort break
Session two: Investigative, learning and collaborative aspects
Police response to FGM: Intelligence, prevention and collaboration
Inspector Allen Davis, Operational Lead, Harmful Practices, National Lead, Metropolitan Police Service, National Police Lead, Operation Limelight and Deputy Chair, National Working Group, Abuse linked to Witchcraft and Spirit Possession
Comfort break
The role of the National Injuries Database (NID) Team (National Crime Agency (NCA)) and medical experts
Sonya Baylis, National Injuries Database Manager, Major Crime Investigative Support, National Crime Agency
The voice of the child
Mr Leethen Bartholomew, Head, National FGM Centre, Barnados
Panel discussion
Lunch
Session three: A legal and anthropological view
Welcome and introduction to the afternoon
Tracy Alexander
Case building, charging decisions and evidence presentation including witness testimony
Ms Lynette Woodrow, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, Crown Prosecution Service Headquarters
A strategic legal perspective
Dexter Dias, Queen's Counsel, Garden Court Chambers
Comfort break
A social and anthropological perspective - what cultural factors drive FGM
Dr Brian D. Earp, Senior Research Fellow, Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford
