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Female genital mutilation/cutting/circumcision (FGM/C) is a form of childhood sexual violence, typically perpetrated by females on females, which has been passed down the generations across cultures and communities around the world. While the explanations for this practice involve love, future security, and cultural pride, the resulting expression of these ideals is a physical-cum-sexual/psychological damaging of the genitalia and the self for the purpose of suppressing and dominating the female, particularly her sexuality.
Exploring this form of child abuse and sexual assault, this article will provide an overview of female genital mutilation. Varying purposes and functions of the practice are then outlined, from both cultures of origin and feminist perspectives. Psychological defences enabling the perpetuation of this harmful practice are explored. Potential versions of the therapeutic work are considered, which might involve resolving confusion, letting go of psychological defences, processing trauma and grief, reconfiguring attachment patterns, and/or re/connecting with one's body and sexuality. The journey is from victim to non-perpetrating, resilient survivor.