Hotline

Do you need help or have questions?

+41 44 415 76 54

Your competent point of contact for FGM/C

FGMhelp is the counseling, information, and resource platform on the topic of FGM/C in the Canton of Zurich. As a point of contact for survivors, those at risk, and their families, we provide free and reliable support. Through collaboration with experts, associations, organizations, and counseling centers, as well as through community outreach, FGMhelp contributes to a sustainable approach to addressing FGM/C.

The establishment of the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Help Center in the Canton of Zurich is due, on the one hand, to the commitment of Cantonal Councilor Natalie Rickli, who initiated it in her capacity as head of the Department of Health. On the other hand, it stems from the work of the Swiss Network Against Female Genital Mutilation. This network has been commissioned by the federal government to raise awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM/C) in Switzerland, protect girls from mutilation, provide affected women with access to counseling and medical services, and promote regional help centers.

Our offering

Advice

We advise girls and women who are affected or at risk, couples and families on all FGM/C-related issues as well as on pregnancy, giving birth, sexuality, sexual health and the legal situation.

Triage and referrals

If medical care is needed, we can set up contact with female medical specialists and hospitals. If you are at risk, we can refer you to the relevant specialist units for child and adult protection.

Community work

Thanks to our multipliers and interpreters we are represented in communities. Our main goals are prevention, information, breaking down taboos and raising awareness.

Training of specialist personnel

In cooperation with the Network against Female Genital Cutting Switzerland we provide FGM/C training to specialist personnel.

Networking and PR work

We make the public aware of the topic of genital circumcision, working together with other contact points, specialist personnel, associations and authorities.

FGMhelp’s organisational structure

The Cantonal Health Department has entrusted the Zurich City Medical Service with establishing and managing the FGM Help Center in the Canton of Zurich. To provide specialized medical support, our counselors work closely with the three major women’s clinics at the Winterthur Cantonal Hospital, the Zurich City Hospital, and the University Hospital of the Canton of Zurich.

Your contacts

Karin Bruppacher

Adviser Dipl. Pflegefachfrau HF

Ann Schädler

Beraterin, Sozialarbeiterin FH Fachleitung Anlaufstelle

Authority responsible for FGMhelp

FGMhelp is sponsored by the Department of Health of the Canton of Zurich. The Department of Health ensures high-quality, needs-based, and financially sustainable health care for the people of Zurich.