Brisbane, AUS. — The Australian Federal Police confirmed today that they had received a tip of the abuse and will investigate the matter.
A spokeswoman said they were unable to reveal details of the case at this time.
The girl, who is believed to be between four and seven years old, is yet to return to Australia and there are concerns for her welfare.
One media outlet reported that the girl was believed to have traveled to Gambia with her father to undergo the procedure.
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female genital cutting and female circumcision, is the ritual removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. Typically carried out by a traditional circumciser using a blade or razor, with or without anaesthesia, FGM is concentrated in 27 countries in Africa, as well as in Yemen and Iraqi Kurdistan, and practised elsewhere in Asia, the Middle East and among diaspora communities around the world.[7] The age at which it is conducted varies from days after birth to puberty; in half the countries for which national figures are available, most girls are cut before the age of five.[8]
The procedures differ according to the ethnic group. They include removal of the clitoral hood and clitoris, and in the most severe form (known as infibulation) removal of the inner and outer labia and closure of the vulva; in this last procedure, a small hole is left for the passage of urine and menstrual blood, and the vagina is opened for intercourse and childbirth. Health effects depend on the procedure, but can include recurrent infections, chronic pain, cysts, an inability to get pregnant, complications during childbirth and fatal bleeding.[9] There are no known health benefits
