Female genital mutilation (FGM) trauma and mental health support during the UK lockdown

Exploring women’s experiences

Bibliographic Data

ID12936816
AuthorsPeggy Mulongo (0000-0002-1649-2607, University of Lancashire, corresponding author), Roxanne Khan (0000-0002-3485-2450, University of Lancashire), Sue McAndrew (0000-0003-4681-3261, University of Lancashire), Mick Mckeown (0000-0003-3599-2153, University of Lancashire)
Year2023
Volume15
Issue3
Pages221-233
Publication date2023-01-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1759-6599 • E-ISSN: 2042-8715
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/jacpr-05-2022-0712
OpenAlexW4313465170
LanguageEN
References cited21

Purpose The purpose of this study is to report findings from interviews with seven African-heritage women attending a female genital mutilation (FGM) Clinic in the north of England, during the COVID-19 lockdown. The Clinic, established several years before the pandemic, provides specialist therapeutic support to women and girls from minority ethnic communities who are affected by harmful “traditional” practices, including FGM. The services provided by the Clinic include early interventions, peer support, community engagement and empowerment around FGM. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected during an online focus group discussion with seven women who had received counselling for FGM, to gain insight into their lived experiences of therapeutic support during the pandemic. Findings Using Braun and Clarke (2006) six-step thematic analysis, four superordinate themes derived from the data: consistency and continuity; safety in shared experience and creativity; feeling heard, feeling stronger; and altruism and desire for change. Research limitations/implications It is important to recognise some limitations within this study. It is based on one focus group discussion that involved seven participants, who had experienced FGM, were living in a targeted area and whose mental health had been further compromised by the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implications The findings of this study indicate that it is essential to consider participants’ experiences of receiving therapeutic support during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was observed that emotional stressors linked with participants’ experiences of FGM may be exacerbated by those related to COVID-19. Social implications There is a need to conduct similar research, perhaps on an individual basis, that would reach a wider sample of women from ethnic minority populations who are survivors of FGM, including those from FGM practicing communities who have been hospitalised through their deteriorating mental health. This would add to the small but growing body of evidence, to provide a better understanding of the experiences of their mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic and perhaps better identify effective therapeutic interventions. Originality/value These themes provide an insight into these women’s experiences of the trauma associated with FGM and receiving mental health support during the pandemic

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Empowerment · Ethnic group · Feeling · Focus group · Mental health · Pandemic · Peer support · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Social support · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Clinical Psychology · Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues · Genital Health and Disease · Medicine · Psychology · Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies · Social Psychology

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