The NSPCC has set up a helpline to protect young people from female genital mutilation.

The charity has discovered that more than 70 women and girls seek treatment every month in the UK, with the youngest aged seven.

The Telegraph & Argus revealed last November that an estimated 120 people in Bradford were suspected of suffering female genital mutilation in a 18-months period.

Nationally more than 1,700 victims were referred to specialist clinics in the last two years, but the charity believes the true number of victims is even higher as only a small fraction come forward for medical help.

Those who do are usually adults with maternity problems.

Female genital mutilation is a form of child abuse common to some African, Asian and Middle Eastern communities in the UK.

This illegal and life-threatening initiation ritual can leave young victims in agony and with physical and psychological problems that can continue into adulthood.

Carried out in secret and often without anaesthetic, it involves the partial or total removal of the external female genital organs. Victims are usually aged between four and ten, but some are babies.

Lorraine Cameron, head of equality and diversity at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We looked at the number of women who may have been affected locally and found that about 120 women had been cared for at Bradford Royal Infirmary in the last few years who had probably had female genital mutilation based on the prevalence levels in their country of origin.

“Female genital mutilation is unacceptable and we are very pleased to hear that the NSPCC are joining the campaign and setting up this vital helpline to stop female children from being mutilated.

“In Bradford we will be continuing our work with local NHS partners and the police to ensure that we can respond effectively to women who have been cut and to girls who are at risk of female genital mutilation.”

Lisa Harker, NSPCC head of strategy, said: “The UK’s child victims of female genital mutilation are hidden behind a wall of silence. Like other forms of abuse if female genital mutilation is not exposed it will continue to thrive and more children will suffer.

“There is also a huge pressure within these communities to keep quiet about female genital mutilation, with some people even being threatened with violence if they speak out.

“This is why we believe a dedicated helpline with specially-trained child protection advisors is needed to help overcome the difficulties in protecting children from such a complex and secretive form of abuse.”

Call the 24-hour helpline on 0800 028 3550 or e-mail fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk if you are concerned about a child’s welfare because of genital mutilation.