Politicians, police and support groups will this morning launch a summer campaign against female genital mutilation (FGM).
Up to 2,000 girls in Bristol are thought to be at risk from the illegal practice, which involves the total or partial removal of external female genitalia.
FGM carries the risk of death from bleeding or tetanus, and long-term problems including urinary incontinence, recurrent infections and chronic pain, while reversal procedures are necessary for childbirth.