A free family event is being held in Hounslow to help stamp out the barbaric practice of female genital mutilation (FGM).
Hounslow Council has teamed up with anti-FGM charity FORWARD to organise the Keeping Our Girls Safe day on Saturday, July 16.
Visitors to Montague Public Hall, in Montague Road, Hounslow, will be able to enjoy face-painting, free food and film screenings from 11am-3pm.
They can also learn more about efforts to end the cruel and illegal act, and what they can do to help prevent more girls and women suffering.
The free event is being held ahead of the summer holidays, when cases of FGM tend to rise.
'For too long it has been a taboo subject'
Councillor Sue Sampson, Hounslow Council's cabinet member for community protection, said: "I hope as many residents and their families can join us at this event.
"It is a free, family day out but also the serious side of it is that FGM can be happening in any local community.
"FGM is acknowledged in the UK as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. But for too long it has been a taboo subject, hidden from society in general.
"By bringing the community together, we can make more people aware of this and hopefully get closer to putting a stop to it."
More than 180 new cases of FGM were discovered in west London during the first quarter of 2016, with the highest number in Brent.
A programme was launched in June to support victims of domestic violence in west London.
