玉美人传媒

[1067] Vulva, Clitoris and Sexual Violence

Our research group aims to improve knowledge in the following areas:

• The impact of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) on psychosexual and reproductive health, as well as potential treatment options
  
• The anatomy and physiology of the clitoris and vulva, both with and without FGM/C
  
• The health consequences of sexual assault and their urgent care

FGM/C affects more than 230 million women and girls worldwide, and approximately 24,600 in Switzerland. These practices can have physical, sexual, psychological, social, and economic consequences. The elimination of FGM/C for future generations is part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting the health of those already affected is an equally important priority for several UN agencies.

In Switzerland, it is estimated that 22% of women and girls over the age of 16 have experienced sexual violence. This is a global public health issue with short and long-term effects on health and is also included in the SDGs.

The vulva, the clitoris, sexual health, FGM/C, and violence against women remain largely taboo subjects.

They are still rarely addressed in research programs and in the training of healthcare professionals.

Our main ongoing clinical or translational projects are:

• , supported by the Leenaards Foundation
• A study to improve prevention, information, and care for victims of sexual violence in emergency settings, supported by the Swiss Federal Office for Gender Equality
• FGM/C: data collection on prevalence and evaluation of healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Switzerland
• Research and training projects within the Sciences, Sexes, Identités program at UNIGE, including the project titled Functional Architecture of the Clitoris, supported by the Maurice Chalumeau Centre for Sexuality Studies
• A visual tool to improve recognition and information about female genital mutilation/cutting, supported by the PRD of Geneva 玉美人传媒 Hospitals