Surrey Police is today supporting the United Nation's International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
FGM is the procedure that intentionally alters or causes injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons, and is illegal in the UK.
The process is normally carried out by women with no medical training, who see it as a source of honour and tradition.
In October 2014, 455 female patients in the UK were newly identified as having undergone FGM.
A further 1,468 patients were also receiving treatment for FGM.
Surrey Police has a specialist team, the Diversity Crime Unit (DCU), which is responsible for investigating FGM and other honour based crimes, including forced marriage, and honour based violence.
Detective Sergeant Charley Bryant from the DCU said: "FGM is a harmful practise that requires a significant cultural change.
"I wholeheartedly support the international event to raise awareness of the issue.
"It is believed that FGM is still significantly under reported across the country.
"Although there have been no prosecutions in Surrey, we have received intelligence from partner agencies and do act to prevent it.
"I'd encourage anyone with concerns to contact police or partner agencies including ChildLine and the NSPCC."
