"'Some readers will already have knowledge and expertise in this field, others will have come to hear about the practice recently; whichever is the case, we hope that by the time you have read the book you will have a better understanding of the historical, physical, psychosexual, socio-economic and cultural factors that underpin the maintenance of what is an ancient tradition.' Comfort Momoh 'Female Genital Mutilation is a barbaric attack on women's sexuality and autonomy. We must all - politicians, clinicians, community and religious leaders - join together to ensure that FGM is eradicated both in the UK and abroad. Female genital mutilation is a fundamental human rights issue with adverse health and social implications. Female genital mutilation violates the rights of girls and women to bodily integrity and results in perpetuating gender inequality. It is vital that Female genital mutilation laws are fully implemented and that governments, agencies, professionals and communities work together for the elimination of this practice.' Christine McCafferty, in her Foreword"