Alaafia provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and disability-inclusive support services for women, girls, individuals, and families affected by or at risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
We recognize that individuals affected by FGM may experience complex physical, emotional, sexual, reproductive, cultural, family, immigration, and social challenges. Our role is to provide a safe and confidential environment where individuals can receive support without judgment, stigma, discrimination, or cultural stereotyping.
Our FGM Support Services Include
Confidential Support and Advocacy
We provide confidential, survivor-centered support for individuals who have experienced FGM or are concerned that they or someone in their family may be at risk.
Healthcare Navigation
Alaafia helps individuals understand and access appropriate healthcare, including primary care, gynecological care, reproductive and maternal healthcare, pain management, and other specialized services. We can assist with scheduling appointments, understanding the healthcare system, communicating concerns, and connecting individuals with appropriate providers.
Mental Health and Emotional Support
We connect survivors with culturally responsive and trauma-informed mental health services and provide ongoing emotional support and navigation.
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
When FGM intersects with domestic violence, sexual violence, forced marriage, coercive control, or other forms of gender-based violence, Alaafia provides safety planning, advocacy, crisis intervention, and connections to appropriate services.
Safety Planning and Protection
For girls, women, or families concerned about the risk of FGM, including concerns related to travel or family and community pressure, Alaafia can assist with individualized safety planning and connections to appropriate protective and legal resources.
Legal and Immigration Navigation
We help individuals connect with qualified legal and immigration professionals when FGM-related concerns involve immigration status, asylum, family law, protection, child safety, or other legal matters.
Language and Cultural Support
Language and cultural barriers should not prevent someone from receiving help. Alaafia provides culturally responsive navigation and helps individuals communicate with healthcare providers, attorneys, government agencies, victim service organizations, and other systems.
Transportation and Practical Assistance
When resources are available, Alaafia may assist eligible individuals with transportation and other practical needs that create barriers to accessing healthcare, advocacy, legal, or social services.
Family Education and Support
We provide culturally sensitive education and support to families to increase understanding of FGM, health consequences, U.S. laws, prevention, safety, and available resources while approaching sensitive cultural conversations with dignity and respect.
Professional Training and Technical Assistance
Alaafia provides education and training for healthcare professionals, victim service providers, social workers, advocates, community organizations, and other professionals on FGM, culturally responsive engagement, trauma-informed practices, identification of barriers to care, survivor support, and appropriate referrals.
Our Approach
Alaafia understands that FGM should not be addressed through stigma or judgment toward survivors, families, cultures, or communities. Effective support requires trust, cultural understanding, confidentiality, education, and meaningful partnerships with affected communities.
We meet individuals where they are, respect their choices and dignity, and help them navigate complicated systems while ensuring that safety and well-being remain at the center of our work.
Creating pathways to safety, healing, health, dignity, empowerment, and long-term well-being for individuals and families affected by FGM.