Revealed: The number of victims of female genital mutilation in Cumbria

Last year, 35 victims were identified by the NHS.

Since recording began in 2015, health services have identified around 95 FGM victims in the area.

Authorities fear they may be more victims.

NHS Digital data shows that, since March, around 35 FGM survivors attended appointments with health professionals in Cumbria.

All of them had their injuries recorded by the NHS for the first time, while there were 15 new victims identified the year before.

Lockdowns and school closures alongside a reduction in face-to-face medical appointments during the pandemic have led to fewer opportunities to identify signs of abuse, according to the National FGM Centre, and the organisation has warned the problem could worsen post-pandemic.

Women and girls who have suffered FGM have had their genitalia deliberately cut, injured, or changed for non-medical reasons. Most undergo the procedures as children.

The practice, traditional in some cultures, has been illegal in the UK since 1985, with the law strengthened in 2003 to prevent girls having treatment abroad.

Leethen Bartholomew of the National FGM Centre – a partnership between Barnardo’s and the Local Government Association – said: “This does not mean that there are fewer survivors needing this support.

“Lockdowns, school closures and fewer interactions with health, social care and other professionals, have meant many survivors are going unnoticed and are not receiving the support we know they need.

“FGM is an extremely hidden form of child abuse and there are undoubtedly women and girls who are suffering in silence.

“As society goes back to normal following a successful national vaccination campaign and the easing of restrictions, I am certain we will see those numbers rising again.

“When they do, health, social and educational professionals need to have access to the time and resources they need to ensure survivors receive the right help to overcome their physical and mental trauma.”