Peer-on-peer sexual abuse in schools and colleges

There are an increasing number of reports which confirm the prevalence of peer-on-peer sexual assaults and abuse in our schools and colleges. The reports also suggest that the level of abuse has consistently been underestimated by the teaching profession.  

There are some obvious risks to pupils in unsupervised areas outside the school and online but in our experience sexual abuse can also occur in school corridors, toilets and even classrooms and during exams. 

A school is under a duty to ensure the safety of its pupils whilst they are at the school and can be liable for peer-on-peer abuse if it has been caused by the negligence of its teachers and other staff. The negligence can for example be inadequate supervision or the failure to protect the child from the risk from other children.  

An Ofsted report in 2021 confirmed that children often see no point in reporting the abuse or do not want to talk about it. They can also be concerned about being ostracised by their peers or think that they will not be believed by the authorities.

In our experience, when incidents are reported schools sometimes fail to identify what should clearly be regarded as sexual abuse as problematic or want to ignore it. In those circumstances, if the abuse is reported to the police then they will take the allegation seriously and investigate it.    

However, some schools and colleges are still unsure how to proceed where the incident has been reported to the police but no action has been taken to prosecute the alleged abuser.  

Unfortunately, we are also aware of cases where the abuser has been prosecuted and convicted of sexual offences against their peer but were then permitted to remain as a pupil at the school. This has then exposed the survivor of the abuse to more harm and the survivor was eventually compelled to move to another school resulting in further disruption to their education. 

Ofsted recommended that schools and colleges create a culture where sexual harassment is not tolerated and where school and college leaders identify issues and intervene early to better protect children and young people. 

However a recent report from the Youth Endowment Fund highlighted that one in eight secondary school teachers reported peer-on-peer sexual assault in the last school term. They are calling for every school to have a dedicated lead to protect children. Urgent action is clearly still required.   

How can Jordans Solicitors help?

Jordans solicitors are acting on behalf of vulnerable children and young adults whom it is alleged were sexually abused in a number of different educational institutions.  

Compensation is a small step towards taking control of your life and getting the justice you deserve.

We understand how difficult it can be for you to talk about the abuse you suffered during your childhood. That’s why our specially trained child abuse solicitors work closely alongside psychologists and barristers to support you both emotionally and legally.

If you want to discuss the options that are open to you, please contact our specialist Abuse Team at Jordans Solicitors.