Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children
We recognise that pupils can abuse their peers and that child-on-child abuse can manifest in many ways, including physical abuse, prejudice-based and discriminatory bullying, online bullying, youth-produced imagery (sexting), abuse in intimate personal relationships between peers, criminal and sexual exploitation, upskirting, initiation and inappropriate harmful sexualised behaviours, and that it could happen here. It is very clear that this abuse should always be treated seriously and never just as banter, having a laugh or part of growing up. The Trust have a zero-tolerance approach to sexual violence and sexual harassment and it is never acceptable and it will not be tolerated in this school and will be challenged. The Trust recognise that even if there are no reports in our settings, it does not mean it is not happening, therefore the Trust will promote an ongoing culture of vigilance to create a safe environment for children.
Any concerns around child on child abuse must be reported and recorded in line with the child protection procedures outlined in this policy and reported to the designated safeguarding lead or deputy as soon as possible.
