Ongoing response to child-on-child abuse, including sexual violence or sexual harassment and hate crime

109. We will consider the principles based on effective safeguarding practice and to help shape any decisions regarding safeguarding and supporting the victim and the alleged perpetrator(s). We will consider what support is the most appropriate to support all children involved.

110. Victims may not talk about the whole picture immediately. It is essential that dialogue is kept open and encouraged. We will offer victims a designated trusted adult in our setting to talk about their needs.

111. A victim of sexual violence is likely to be traumatised and, in some cases, may struggle in a normal classroom environment. We will avoid any action that would have the effect of isolating the victim, in particular from supportive peer groups, there may be times when the victim finds it difficult to maintain a full-time timetable and may express a wish to withdraw from lessons and activities. This will be because the victim wants to, not because it makes it easier to manage the situation. If required, we will provide a physical space for victims to withdraw.

112. Whilst we will give all the necessary support to victims to remain in our setting, if the trauma results in the victim being unable to do this, alternative provision or a move to another setting will be considered to enable them to continue to receive suitable education. This will only be at the request of the victim (and following discussion with their parents or carers).

113. Please refer to our policy and procedures with regard to child-on-child abuse.

114. We will always check in with all children involved or alleged to have been involved in child-on-child abuse that are in our school/college. This is to ensure our procedures have been followed and to understand their perception of the effectiveness of our procedures.