I’m a family member

Female genital cutting is not a tradition in Germany, so most people don't know much about it and above all have never met a cut woman.
Don’t be surprised if your neighbours, doctors, etc. don’t know how to deal with it; they may face it for the first time!
And: Just the same as cutting is normal in your family, it is so unusual for most Germans!

Download the safeguard letter and take it with you

Genital cutting of girls/women is punishable in Germany, even if it is done in another country!
Because it‘s a violation of human rights and therefore against German and International Law.
If you as girl at risk are afraid to travel, please check here for all steps you can take in case of emergency!
If you and your family don’t want the cutting, the official safeguard letter from the German government and the one from the city of Hamburg can support the discussion with your family community during your visit. Both explain that cutting must not be done, because it will be punished with jail in Germany once you return. They are available in many languages. You can download, print, or order one or both letters. Find more details here.

We support your decision, don't let others question it!

Call the free governmental 24/7 helpline : 0800-0116016
There are women who talk your language and will listen and help. All is confidential, secure, and even anonymous if you wish.
Note the rights of the girl and your options.
Let others help you with the next steps – talk to experienced people at the so-called Jugendamt. These youth welfare offices exist nearly everywhere: https://www.jugendaemter.com/jugendaemter-in-deutschland/
(look for the closest big city if you cannot find your location).
The official safeguard letter from the German government and the one from the city of Hamburg can also support the discussion with your family and community. Both explain the rules in Germany and are available in many languages. You can download, print, or order one or both letters. Find more details here.

Please re-think your decision!

Please consider the legal consequences.
And consider the trauma for the girl’s body and soul.
Check what argues against cutting as tradition.
Please think whether you’d like to talk to experts, even if it appears difficult to talk about such a private topic – find one nearby here in the category counselling - general or counselling for women.

Good question! This might help you:

It is not at all negative - on the contrary, because a woman’s body is perfect by nature - and nature ensures that both of you can enjoy sex much more than after any type of cutting!
In addition, depending on the type of cutting, the consequences can be as severe as leading to death – not to mention the problems once she becomes pregnant.
This is why it is even illegal.
Maybe you want to check the truth behind the usual justifications.
If you wish to talk to people that understand your doubts, search someone nearby here in the category counselling - general or counselling for women.

Be gentle, be loving, be patient!

Be as supportive as you can, the consequences of the cutting for your partner depend much on what she’s gone through - we recommend the following videos:
- Types of cutting
- Typical consequences
Try to understand why this was done to her.
Learn about the rights and options of your partner.
Last, but not least, there are people ready to advise and support you: Search here in the category counselling - general or counselling for women.

Good that you’re already asking!

If your wife or partner was closed, she needs to be opened prior to giving birth.
Accompany her to an experienced doctor (gynaecologist) as soon as possible in order to discuss the ideal time to do it. Search one nearby here in the category medical assistance for women.
By the way: She has a right to free medical treatment!
Some information upfront:
- If there is enough time to do the opening ahead, the birth process can be almost normal. If she is opened only during the birth process, this means an additional burden for her and the baby.
- Please note that your wife/partner will not be again closed after giving birth, as this would be like a new cutting and as such, it is legally banned in Germany.
- An if the baby is a girl, she mustn’t be cut at any time and at any place, even outside of Germany. This is due to the legal situation here.

It’s normal that you’re confused, and you’re not alone!

It is indeed illegal here and considered a crime, because it violates the woman’s human rights and causes severe health problems.
This conflicts with the reasoning you may have heard in your community.
Consider talking to people who understand your dilemma – find someone here in the category counselling - general or counselling for women.
And once you’ve made up your mind and want to help to stop cutting, spread the word and inform girls and women about their rights and options.
More and more people all over the world are rejecting cutting, and the better they connect and speak up, the faster it will disappear.

Good question! Let’s have a look:

This is about the different reasoning and what argues against it.
Maybe the following will also help you to make up your mind about cutting:
- How a woman’s body is changed by cutting.
- What the possible consequences of cutting are.

You already did the first step!

Spread the word - everything starts with talking - and become a myth buster.
Let family/community members know about the legal situation in Germany and girls/women know their rights and options.
Get involved with a private organisation: Find one nearby here in the category counselling - general or counselling for women and get in contact!