A shocking number of new cases of female genital mutilation have been reported across Dorset, new figures show.

NHS Digital have revealed that five new cases have been reported in the area in the space of three months between January and March 2018.

Researchers from children’s charities have not revealed the age that females suffer the cutting but most are believed to be under 18 years old.

Of the figures, all of the cases which came from woman of North African origin were self-reported with the ages of those reporting the FGM were aged 30-34.

Nationally, around 6,400 women and girls with FGM were seen by NHS staff in England between April 2017 and March this year with an estimated 137,000 are thought to have been affected by it.

An NSPCC South West spokesman said: “Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a barbaric practice that leaves its victims physically and mentally scarred.

“We urge any young women or girls dealing with the physical and emotional impact of FGM to seek help and support.

“Sadly this abuse is all too commonplace – since the launch of our FGM helpline in 2013, we have received hundreds of calls from members of the public, as well as professionals who have questions about how best to support women and girls at risk of this complex form of abuse.

“We urge anyone who needs advice or support to contact our FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk – you can remain anonymous if you wish.”

Claire Chatwin, managing director of the Southern Domestic Abuse Service, which provides services to women who are experiencing domestic abuse, has described FGM as an emerging issue and that community groups affected by FGM are now more willing to discuss with the NHS and police.

She added: "In the last three years, we have seen more communities that are willing to come forward and engage with us regarding this particular issue.

“People from a wide range of nations are affected by FGM.

“Women from seemingly happy and positive families are also affected by FGM – because their cultural and heritage traditions demand it.”

Wendy Thorogood, designated nurse consultant for children at NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, added:

“We have been working hard with our partners to raise awareness of the emotional and physical harm caused by FGM, and how we can support women if they have been historically affected.

"Our key aim is to prevent this happening to children within Dorset.

"We have a clear process for all partners to follow, if anyone has concerns - personally or professionally - the advice in the first instance is to speak to their GP who can help them access the appropriate counselling and medical intervention.”

Despite widespread reporting there has never been a successful prosecution for FGM in the UK, a fact that has been branded a “national scandal” by politicians and the Home Affairs select committee.

FGM has been illegal in the UK for over 30 years, however since 2003 it has also been illegal for UK citizens to take their child abroad to have FGM – which has been a cause for concern amongst Dorset residents.