Emily Thornberry MP Labour’s Shadow Attorney General said:

“I hope Ministers will listen to the Director and introduce anonymity for victims where Female Genital Mutilation is alleged.

“Anonymity is granted to victims of rape and other serious sexual offences because of their sensitive nature and the stigma attached to these offences. The sensitivity and stigma that surrounds female genital mutilation is at least as intense and victims should be protected.

“Furthermore, if anonymity would encourage more victims to come forward then the public interest in providing for this is overwhelming.

“Ministers must also ensure that where cases go to court, victims of FGM are eligible to the same support and special measures that to which other vulnerable victims are entitled and that all the agencies involved – the police, court staff, the judiciary and prosecutors – are aware of this.”