Protection topics

Female genital mutilation (FGM) happens any time the external female genitalia (including the labia and clitoris) are deliberately cut, injured or changed, but where there's no medical reason for this to be done.  It is:

• illegal in Scotland and the UK
• usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15
• a form of violence against women and girls
• never needed for medical reasons
• not approved by any religion

FGM can cause long-term problems with sex, childbirth and mental health and is against a person's rights to:

• health, security and physical integrity
• freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
• life (when the procedure results in death)

• What is FGM? - Scottish Government
• 10 facts about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Scotland - Scottish Women's Rights Centre

Financial harm is not a new phenomenon. Research highlights financial harm as being one of the more common forms of elder abuse.

Financial harm is most often perpetrated in the home of the victim and the perpetrators are often those who act for the person in a trusted capacity.  That could include someone who has Power of Attorney.

Its harmful effects, which impact on both mental and physical health, are far reaching.  It is often accompanied by other forms of abuse, such as physical abuse or neglect.

Possible indicators of financial abuse might include where a vulnerable person is:

• Being pressurised to give money to others
• Being deprived of access to personal bank accounts or bank cards
• Not being told about password or login changes
• Being denied involvement in spending decisions
• Being berated for spending money on small items
• Being forced to ask for money in order to buy essential items
• Being coerced to sign away legal ownership of property or assets
• Being coerced into making new wills leaving money or assets to new beneficiaries
• Being made to feel incompetent about financial matters
• Having funds or valuables going missing
• Having unauthorised loans or hire purchase agreements or credit cards taken out in their name
• Having unauthorised subscriptions to publications, web-sites, insurances, products, services, etc., taken out in their name
• Discovering debt is inexplicably mounting up
• Being asked to share financial or identity information inappropriately.

Guide to Investigations - Office of the Public Guardian    

Forcing someone into marriage is a criminal offence in Scotland. This includes:

• taking someone abroad to force them to marry (whether or not the forced marriage takes place)
• marrying someone who lacks the mental capacity to consent to the marriage (whether they're pressured to or not)

Police Scotland take forced marriage seriously. However, civil protection through a Forced Marriage Protection Order is also an option. 

There are a number of support organisations that can give help and confidential advice to victims or potential victims of forced marriage.

• The law on forced marriage - Scottish Government