Washington State FGM/C Training for SANE Providers

Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a form of gender-based violence and a violation of the human rights of women and girls that can result in significant long-term physical, psychological, sexual, and reproductive health consequences. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 230 million women and girls globally have undergone FGM/C, and recent estimates suggest that between approximately 421,000 and 577,000 women and girls in the United States may be at risk of or impacted by FGM/C. In Washington State, estimates range from 18,000 to 25,000 girls and women at risk of or survivors of FGM/C. Counties with the highest estimated populations include King, Snohomish, Pierce, Spokane and Clark. Survivors may present in a variety of healthcare settings, including emergency departments, reproductive health clinics, labor and delivery units, pediatric settings, and forensic healthcare environments.

For Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) in Washington State, understanding FGM/C is critical to providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and survivor-centered care. Survivors of FGM/C may experience barriers to seeking care due to stigma, fear of discrimination, concerns about confidentiality, immigration-related fears, or prior harmful healthcare interactions. Many healthcare professionals report limited training on recognizing FGM/C, responding to disclosures, documenting concerns appropriately, and navigating legal and mandatory reporting considerations. This training aims to strengthen Washington SANE providers knowledge of FGM/C within both global and U.S. contexts while supporting best practices for patient-centered care, respectful communication, safety, confidentiality, and holistic support for survivors.

Event Description: This 90-minute training is designed specifically for SANE providers in Washington State and focuses on best practices for working with survivors of FGM/C. The session will provide participants with an overview of FGM/C within both global and U.S. contexts, including current prevalence data, terminology, health impacts, and the cultural and social factors that sustain the practice across diverse communities. Participants will also explore the physical, psychological, sexual, and reproductive health impacts of FGM/C and discuss how survivors may present within forensic, emergency, reproductive health, and other healthcare settings.

The training will emphasize trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and survivor-centered approaches to care, including respectful communication, confidentiality, safety, and appropriate responses to disclosures. Through survivor storytelling, case-based discussion, and facilitated conversation, participants will examine common barriers survivors face when accessing healthcare and identify strategies to strengthen trust and improve patient experiences within clinical and forensic settings. The session will also introduce participants to practical tools, resources, referral pathways, and best practices that can support SANEs in providing compassionate, informed, and holistic care to survivors of FGM/C.

Objectives:

1. Equip SANE providers with knowledge and training to better understand impacts of FGM/C on girls, women, and communities they might come in contact with.
2. Explore FGM/C in the United States through a medical lens and discuss resources available for clinicians, SANEs, and other front-line professionals who may come in contact with women impacted by FGM/C.
3. Provide information on how to better provide trauma-informed care while practicing cultural competence and sensitivity.