Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children: summary

Last reviewed on 8 April 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 32428

Read our summary of the updated peer-on-peer abuse advice from the DfE and download our model policy which covers sexual harassment and sexual violence between children.

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Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Part 1: Defining sexual violence and sexual harassment between children
  3. Part 2: Schools' legal responsibilities
  4. Part 3: A whole-school approach to prevention 
  5. Part 4: Responding to reports 
  6. Annex

Overview

The Department for Education's advice for schools on sexual violence and sexual harassment between children is aimed at school leaders, governing boards, and designated safeguarding leads (DSLs). 

For the purposes of the advice, a child is anyone under 18.

Schools and colleges should develop their own policies and procedures and should consider how to reflect sexual violence and sexual harassment in their whole-school approach to safeguarding. 

Part 1: Defining sexual violence and sexual harassment between children

Sexual violence and sexual harassment can occur between 2 children of any age and any sex or through a group of children sexually assaulting or sexually harassing a single child or group of children Sexual violence and sexual harassment: Exist on a continuum and may overlap Can occur online and offline (both physical and verbal) Are never acceptable It's important that all victims are taken seriously and offered appropriate support It's more likely that

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