Seen, heard, supported: Recognising and responding to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the Australian emergency department.

Female genital mutilation/ cutting (FGM/C) describes the practice of injuring or removing part or all of the external female* genitalia and is a process that serves no medical benefit.² Approximately 230 million females** worldwide have undergone this human rights violation.^1,2 These women are at risk of illness and may seek emergency care. FGM/C is illegal in all Australian states and territories^7,8 and not traditionally practised here; however, the number of women in Australia living with FGM/C is increasing. Australian healthcare workers have limited knowledge of FGM/C.⁶ Women are not only impacted by the procedures themselves but also by the scarcity of robust research, which leaves Emergency Departments (EDs) without adequate guidance. A gap exists in the literature, which has real-life implications. Australian EDs must be equipped to care for people who have undergone this harmful cultural practice. This paper examines the barriers to effective care and explore recommendations to enhance outcomes for these women.