Commissioner Sue Mountstevens promises to help women and children who become the victims of violence

“Wow, some of the comments here are truly reprehensible, not to mention xenophobic in the extreme. To address just a couple:

• "There will be no progress made whatsoever until education and integration is entrenched in these communities". I couldn't disagree more. I'd be willing to bet a few high profile cases, earning those responsible lengthy prison sentences, and having their children permanently taken away will force people to think twice. It's simply the case at the moment that they know nothing will happen to them. That needs to change.

• "If they do not wish to do this, the police will be powerless". Again, complete rubbish. The police do not need a mandate from a particular part of the community to do their job. They enforce the law and, as wolf_grandma has mentioned, protect those who cannot protect themselves, regardless of their religious or cultural background.

• "It is NOT a societal problem that the UK has some sort of obligation to resolve [...] but it is the PARENTS of the African Muslim communities who are to blame [...] not the government". Words fail me, I can't believe you're actually trying to argue that point! Should we stop trying to prevent any murders and burglaries committed by foreign nationals while we're at it? After all, using your logic, it's not the responsibility of society to protect the victims of those crimes either, it comes down to how the perpetrators were raised. I'm sure that will be a big comfort to those affected.”

“That was a mis-type. I meant to say it is the duty of the police to protect the vulnerable, whatever their age or culture.”

“Whatever the cultural background, it is still the duty of the police to protect those who are unable to protect the vulnerable.”

“It is child abuse - correct.

But is is condoned and arranged by the parents.

And accepted within African Muslim communities.

Whilst criminal is outcome, the root of the problem is a total lack of social integration and acceptance of Western values.

There will be no progress made whatsoever until education and integration is entrenched in these communities.

But if they do not wish to do this, the police will be powerless.”

“@Blueface - Linking back to my "hi-jack" theory - please see the ensuing mess of a convo on FGM, it's a double pointer about women and muslims. Good work team.

@Whippet - I concur.”

“I agree that it is an African, Muslim, practice. But it happens to girls in Bristol, it is child abuse, and the commissioner of police is quite correct to attempt to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.”

“@wolf_grandma.

I understand your point (though some would struggle).

My point is that FGM is largely a cultural issue unique to African Muslims.

It is NOT a societal problem that the UK has some sort of obligation to resolve.

Of course I care about children's safety, but it is the PARENTS of the African Muslim communities who are to blame. Not me, not the government, bankers, EDL etc etc.

Your comparison with animal cruelty is illuminating - it IS a barbaric practice, and again it is UNIQUE to African Muslims.”

“Whippet prince, you are deliberately misinterpreting my comment. FGM happens to girls born in Bristol, who have no say in the matter, and being 'funny' does not help at all. Or do you genuinely not care about the safety of chidren?”

“@Blueface - To be very clear.

1. Mendip is worried he will be treated as a lesser priority if violence against women is focused on. Why? If the police or some public body try to highlight "mistreated donkeys" does that mean they will stop policing murder? Nope. His basic premise is faulty, as is yours. Essentially he's saying: "Discussing domestic abuse against women is sexist to men." It's bloody stupid.

2. I like that I grate on you. Most of you grate on me. I'm just trying to show some balance in debate which would otherwise be entirely based around the mumblings at the oap home. Your opinion of me is mirrored by mine of you. Lets leave the name calling at the school yard yeah?

3. Personally I think any discussion of women being beaten (which lets be honest is far more common than women beating men) is a totally valid and necessary debate which will hopefully save some women. Further to that I have no interest. I just find it a bit tiring that nearly any feminine, race or sexuality debate is invariably hi-jacked by: "Oh well they never do that for straight white men - that's a bit racist/sexist/hetrophobic." Its all a bit crass and belies a very real intention to mock a valid cause.”

“FGM is an Muslim African practice.

It is not appropriate (or relevant) to perform this type of surgery on a dog.

No offence, but if African Muslims choose to carry out FGM in the name of Allah, that's their OWN problem.

Not mine.

Or my dogs.”