I might be at risk
The most important first:
- 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, teachers, etc. don’t know how to deal with it; they may face it for the first time!
- Don't take it personal! Just the same as cutting is normal in your community, it is so unusual for most Germans! But sharing this webpage may help to start talking to people, for example at school.
Good that you made it here!
- Call the governmental helpline available day and night, it’s free of charge!
08000 116 016 - More options and tips are shown here.
- If you are less than 18 years old, another first contact is the so-called Jugendamt. These youth welfare offices exist nearly everywhere, find the closest one here:
https://www.jugendaemter.com/jugendaemter-in-deutschland/ - Also important is to know your rights and options as soon as possible.
- 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.
We support your decision, don’t let others question it!
- And you’re not alone! It may be difficult to talk to others about such a private topic, but for professionals, this is part of their daily work. They know much about it and are ready to listen to you and help as much as they can! So, find someone to talk to nearby here in the category counselling for women.
There are private organisations and governmental ones, they all can help you to fully understand your options, because it is not only your right not to be cut - cutting is even illegal in Germany. - You may also be interested in knowing whether the reproach of your family/friends is justified – find out what argues against the most common reasoning.
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.
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!