LEARNING CENTRE
Labia stretching
What is it?
Labia stretching is a cultural practice found in some African and South Pacific communities, where the labia minora is manually stretched. The labia can be elongated to the size of the little finger and girls are pressured to achieve this before they begin menstruating. The stretching is done by girls being taught to pull their labia minora and sometimes using sticks or stones that serve as weights. This practice is often done for aesthetic reasons or as a rite of passage. It is believed to increase men’s sexual pleasure.
Those at risk of labia stretching are young girls and women from practicing communities. The practice often begins in adolescence, between the ages of 8 and 14, and continues into adulthood in preparation for marriage.
It is practiced within the diaspora, including in the UK, and is a form of child abuse.
Significant pain and discomfort may result from the procedure, particularly in the beginning. Irritation, swelling and infections can result from using some labia stretching home treatments, especially those with caustic herbs or other harsh ingredients.
There are social and psychological hazards associated with the practice as some girls may experience emotional distress and low self-esteem due to being stigmatised for not achieving the desired labial length in their culture.
It is a rite of passage, assisted by the women in the family and the community, to ensure girls conform to family and community norms around female behaviour, sexuality and marriage. Cultural beliefs about enhancing sexual pleasure or aesthetic appeal also play a significant role.
There is no specific law in the UK, despite often being compared to female genital mutilation (FGM), for which there is specific legislation. However, it is a form of child abuse and falls under child protection laws.
Women and girls from practicing communities might be at risk due to family and community expectations, social pressure to be seen as ‘desirable’ for marriage and lack of awareness of potential health risks.
Since labia stretching is a personal and mostly private procedure, it can be difficult to spot that it has taken place. Indicators might include belonging to a practicing community, use of oil or herbs to enhance the stretching process and physical changes to the genitalia.
What can we do?
Supporting someone who has undergone labia stretching requires a sensitive, compassionate and respectful approach. It is important to offer emotional support in a non-judgemental way and to understand the cultural context of the practice.
Encourage victim survivors to seek medical care and emotional support and provide resources and organisations that can offer additional help.
Support services for labia pulling/stretching
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger
Report to your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Report to Social Care / MASH if appropriate
Link with a specialist agency upon obtaining consent (if the victim survivor is an adult)
Offer non-judgmental emotional support
Keep accurate records and use professional curiosity when asking questions.
Specialist Support services for labia pulling/stretching
GP services Adult or Children’s Social Care
Specialist FGM Clinics
List of National FGM Support Clinics
Oxford Rose Clinic Can be contacted via telephone or text 07767 671406 or oxfordrose.clinic@ouh.nhs.uk
FGM Clinic at UCLH, North London For under 18s. They take self referrals, open the second Friday of the month. Contact 020 3447 5241 or uclh.paediatricsafeguarding@nhs.net
Leeds – Blossom Clinic, Oakwood Medical Practice – You can contact them Monday 9-5pm and Tuesday 10-6pm every two weeks on 07824 580988
Birmingham – Summerfield Health Centre 07989 209483
Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust – 07812 275665 or 01158 838414
Iris Clinic, North Middlesex University Hospital 07776 997893 or northmid.irisclinic@nhs.net
Dahlia Project
NSPCC FGM Helpline 0800 028 3550
FORWARD UK – Contact +44 (0)208 960 4000, extension 1 or +44 (0)7834 168 141, Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Project Salama – 01635 953588
AFRUCA – referrals only 0207 704 2261
31:8 – 0207 735 8941
Thirtyone:eight home page (thirty eight.org)
National FGM Centre (CALF)