It’s estimated that more than 3,000 women are affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Croydon

More than 3,000 women in a borough have been affected by Female Genital Mutilation, it has been estimated.

A safety organisation in Croydon received 122 referrals of FGM during the past two years.

City University also found that 827 women with FGM gave birth to girls between 2005 and 2013 in the borough.

The university found that 136 girls aged 0-14 with FGM lived in Croydon in 2011.

Croydon council has appointed a specialist social worker to prevent FGM by helping women who have experienced the procedure and to support women who may fear FGM.

The social worker will be part of Croydon’s Early Help team and will train other social workers to respond to similar cases.

They will also take on cases which prevent breast flattening, where young girls’ breasts are ironed, pounded or massaged to stop or slow their development.

Councillor David Wood, deputy cabinet member for safer Croydon and communities, said: “This innovative new post is a strong addition to our safeguarding service.

“I am pleased our FGM specialist will be embedding themselves into the local community where they will be best placed to build trust and offer help to those affected and at risk of this procedure, as well as assisting colleagues in health, the police, education, social care and other frontline services.”