a medically invalid and harmful procedure that attempts to determine whether a girl or woman has had sexual intercourse

a surgical procedure to 'repair' or 'restore' the hymen, often linked to controlling women and girls

Hymenoplasty and virginity testing

RSHE (PSHE)

Forced marriage

This unit includes lessons relating to violence against women and girls. It has been updated to reflect the 2026 RSHE guidance. It includes lesson on FGM, virginity testing and forced marriage.

Staying safe and healthy: Forced marriage, FGM, hymenoplasty & virginity testing

Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

Physical illness or injury, medical procedures, blood.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

References to forced marriage, violence against women and girls.

Depiction or discussion of sex or sexual body parts, including sex education.

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

an inaccurate procedure that tries to check if someone has had sex

a surgical procedure people falsely claim will 'restore' the hymen

permission for something to happen or an agreement to do something

Match the term to the correct definition.

It can accurately show if someone has had sex.

It is a private medical test offered in hospitals.

Which statement about virginity testing is **true**?

Why are virginity testing and hymenoplasty banned by law?

They are allowed with parental permission.

They carry a prison sentence of up to five years.

It’s also illegal to take someone abroad for them.

They are legal if done privately outside the UK.

What does UK law say about these practices?

Who can you talk to if you’re worried about someone being pressured into these practices?

Virginity testing and hymenoplasty are harmful practices that violate a person’s rights and can cause physical and {{}} damage.

a tradition observed by a particular community

What does the term 'cultural practice' mean?

Which of these are good examples of support services?

because of tradition and pressure from communities

Why might some harmful practices continue even though they cause damage?

to protect people, especially children, from harm

In the UK, what is the purpose of having laws about harmful practices?

FGM is {{}} a religious practice and many religious leaders condemn it.

Starter Quiz

What does the term 'cultural practice' mean?