INTRODUCTION In order to prevent child abuse, the care for women and girls at risk of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in the Netherlands has been delegated to Youth Health Care Professionals (YHCPs). However, there is considerable evidence about sub-optimal care provided by YHCPs. This study aimed to explore the aids and barriers in providing FGM-related healthcare as perceived by YHCPs. METHOD A qualitative study was carried out in which 15 YHCPs were interviewed. Data analysis consisted of three steps and was oriented towards the development of themes. RESULTS The results show insufficient knowledge and awareness of FGM/C and not sharing information about it among YHCPs. A facilitating factor is the existence of an instructor protocol together with a digital reminder of the contact moments to discuss FGM/C with a client; a main barrier was the difficulty to discuss the issue of FGM/C with the target group. CONCLUSION FGM/C is a complicated, culturally based tradition. There is a need for improvement of the conversation-related part of the protocol and for participative workshops to train Dutch YHCPs to work effectively across divides.

INTRODUCTION In order to prevent child abuse, the care for women and girls at risk of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in the Netherlands has been delegated to Youth Health Care Professionals (YHCPs). However, there is considerable evidence about sub-optimal care provided by YHCPs. This study aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers in providing FGM-related healthcare as perceived by YHCPs. METHOD A qualitative study was carried out in which 15 YHCPs were interviewed. Data analysis consisted of three steps and was oriented towards the development of themes. RESULTS The results show insufficient knowledge and awareness of FGM/C and not sharing information about it among YHCPs. A facilitating factor is the existence of an instructor protocol together with a digital reminder of the contact moments to discuss FGM/C with a client; a main barrier was the difficulty to discuss the issue of FGM/C with the target group. CONCLUSION FGM/C is a complicated, culturally based tradition. There is a need for improvement of the conversation-related part of the protocol and for participative workshops to train Dutch YHCPs to work effectively across divides.