The FGM Detectives

The FGM Detectives is a groundbreaking Channel 4 documentary released in 2018, led by the intrepid journalist Cathy Newman. The film provides a comprehensive and sensitive exploration of the alarming and taboo subject of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a non-medical procedure which involves the partial or total removal of female genitalia.

Cathy Newman, who is also one of the main presenters of Channel 4 News, guides viewers through this complex issue, charting her journey towards understanding the reasons behind this horrifying act and the extensive legal and socio-cultural barriers that exist in attempts to end its practice.

The documentary is centered in the United Kingdom, where the actual practice of FGM has been illegal since 1985, and even to arrange for it to take place elsewhere has been a punishable offense since 2003. But Newman’s painstaking investigation aims to highlight the fact that despite these laws, there is yet to be a successful conviction in the UK. The documentary raises questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies to tackle the widespread nature of the issue.

Newman works together with DCI Leanne Pook, one of the primary investigators in the UK tasked with handling FGM cases. Pook’s dedication and determination mirror those of Newman’s, providing viewers with an understanding of the hard work and frustrating setbacks associated with such cases, revealing the astonishing realities of a hidden world existing within the UK society.

The film also delves into aspects of public awareness and prevailing attitudes towards FGM. Newman speaks to men and women from communities where FGM is a cultural norm, eliciting a range of responses that bring light to the deeply entrenched beliefs associated with FGM. Some members express their revulsion and hope for a change, while others remain tight-lipped due to the fear of being ostracized.

The FGM Detectives packs a punch with its authentic and raw representation. It opens with Newman attending an FGM safeguarding course for nursing professionals, where the lived experiences of survivors are shared. These heart-wrenching testimonies set the tone for the rest of the film, impressing on viewers the urgency and necessity of giving voice to these voiceless victims.

One of the most striking elements of the documentary is the incorporation of first-hand accounts from survivors of FGM. Their courage and resilience serve as a stark contrast to the horror of their tales, offering a humanizing perspective that underlines the importance of empathy and understanding in this battle against FGM.

Unflinchingly bold, Cathy Newman’s investigative prowess shines in The FGM Detectives, her passion for seeking justice for the victims of FGM continuously underscored throughout the production. She interrogates the complex intersections of tradition, familial expectations, societal pressures, religious misinterpretations, and the disturbing normalization of this form of child abuse, persistently driving home the nauseating reality of this continuing practice.

As a result of her tenacious investigation, this film does not just focus on the victims of FGM, but also on its facilitators and enablers. Unlike many other works that explore FGM in the UK, The FGM Detectives gives a glimpse into the perspective of those who are part of the supply chain for this illegal fruit.

With the excellent balance of objective journalism, introspective commentary, and personal storytelling, The FGM Detectives provides a stark reality check on the state of FGM within the UK. It effectively raises the consciousness about this horrific practice and subtly conveys the message that the responsibility of ending FGM isn't confined to law enforcement agencies or health professionals but lies on the shoulders of every individual, especially those people who live in the same communities where these endangered girls belong.

In conclusion, The FGM Detectives is not just a documentary – it's a cry for social change. Through Cathy Newman's bold exploration, the documentary challenges its viewers to consider their role in ending the systemic oppression facilitated by FGM. Newman's commitment to justice cuts through the coded language of FGM, demanding viewers to transcend the discomfort and engage in this critical dialogue about women's rights, child abuse, and cultural sensitivity. An essential watch, The FGM Detectives ultimately serves as a plea for society's collective conscience and as a call to arms in the wave against FGM.