• Legislation should mandate prosecutor protocols that are centered upon survivor safety and respectful investigation of FGM.

• Legislation should provide that these protocols allow for prosecution of offenders in the absence of the survivor, if necessary.

• Legislation should require prosecutor training in the use of physical evidence, expert witnesses, and other trial strategies to strengthen cases in which a victim is unavailable to testify.

• Legislation should require prosecutors to carefully consider all factors underlying a survivor’s decision not to testify, including cultural and religious beliefs, before forcing a survivor to testify.

• Legislation should require prosecutors to prosecute offenders who violate protective orders or who threaten survivors or witnesses.

• Legislation should require prosecutors to avoid delays in completing the trial of the offender.

• Legislation should require prosecutors to receive training on the nature and impact of female genital mutilation, factors that may affect a survivor’s willingness or ability to participate in a prosecution, effective prosecution strategies and approaches that support victim safety.

• Legislation should provide that prosecutors who do not pursue cases of FGM may be penalized.

(See: Prosecutor Protocols, StopVAW website)