A SURVIVOR of FGM has urged people to contact the NSPCC Helpline, after it took nearly 650 calls about female genital mutilation last year.

Bournemouth resident Salimata Badji-Knight, who has campaigned for greater awareness of FGM, said: "I wished that there was an FGM helpline when I was little. Maybe it would have helped with all the things I went through."

Salimata was forced to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM) during a family visit to see her grandmother in Senegal, after being told she was going on a picnic with other women and girls from the community.

She was just five-years-old at the time and today she is unable to have children because of her ordeal.

Salimata has stopped FGM in her own family and saved some 50 girls from the harmful effects of the practice.

She said: “My advice to anyone concerned about a child is to contact the NSPCC FGM Helpline.

"Now it’s all about sharing information, empowering the parents who are scared of the social consequences of not getting their daughters cut.”

Since its launch in June 2013, the dedicated line has received 2,747 calls, with almost one in five concerns (512 contacts) being so serious they were referred to external agencies.

FGM is the term used to describe procedures that involve the removal of part or all of the external female genitalia.

Health experts say it has absolutely no health benefits for women or girls, but numerous - some deadly - complications.

It is also known as female circumcision or cutting and is usually performed by someone with no medical training. Girls are given no anaesthetic, no antiseptic treatment and are often forcibly restrained.

The rise in contacts to the helpline could be down to greater awareness, better recognition in spotting the signs, and confidence in voicing concerns, the charity said.

NSPCC Helpline head Kam Thandi said: “Those who subject their children to female genital mutilation may do so because of cultural norms or believe it will help improve their daughter’s preparation for marriage and womanhood. Yet it’s clear, from the lasting physical and emotional scars on the victims, that it endangers life.

“It takes a lot of courage to speak out knowing that those you love could be investigated, or you could be shunned, so it’s no surprise that female genital cutting is cloaked in secrecy.

"However, this is child abuse, it violates the rights of the child, and we need more people in communities to join forces to ensure this dangerous practice is ended once and for all.”

n Anyone worried about someone who has suffered, or is at risk of, FGM can call the NSPCC for free and anonymously on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk.