Sexual Harassment/Sexual Violence & Harmful Sexual Behaviour

The Marlborough C of E School: statement on sexual harassment/sexual
violence and harmful sexual behaviours.

Since the tragic death of Sarah Everard and the ‘Everyone’s Invited’ website, this issue has become the dominant safeguarding issue for schools across the country. We recognise that sexual violence and harassment does happen between students who attend our school. This document aims to explain the nature of peer-on-peer sexual abuse and harassment, as well as outlining our response to this important issue. It should be read in conjunction with our existing Safeguarding and Child Protection, anti-bullying and Behaviour Policies.

Sexual harassment creates an atmosphere that, if not challenged, can normalise
inappropriate behaviours and provide an environment that may lead to sexual violence.

Identifying child-on-child sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Identifying child-on-child sexual violence and sexual harassment can take a number of forms. It is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, which can include:

• Sexual comments about another’s body;
• Unwanted physical contact;
• Interfering with clothing;
• Comments about another’s sexual experience;
• Sexual “jokes” or taunting including innuendo;
• Rating someone’s attractiveness;
• Jokes about rape or sexual abuse;
• Sexual name-calling;
• Sexual gestures;
• Online sexual harassment;
• Use of mobile phones to share images or take photos without permission.

Identifying child-on-child sexual violence and sexual harassment.

We follow the guidance outlined by the Department for Education in 'Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022'

Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges

At The Marlborough School we never pass an incident off as “banter”, “part of growing up" or "having a laugh”, even if the victim says that they don’t mind. We recognise the gendered nature of peer-on-peer abuse (that girls will more likely be victims and boys more likely be perpetrators), but that all forms are unacceptable and will be taken seriously. We understand that child perpetrators of sexual harassment are likely to have experienced or witnessed harm or inappropriate behaviour themselves and may need further support.

• All incidents of child-on-child sexual harassment are treated as a safeguarding
• concern and safeguarding procedures are followed.
• Any incidents of unwanted touching under clothes (even if over underwear) will be reported to the Police and MASH.
• We report all incidents of child-on-child abuse and sexual harassment in line with our Anti bullying and Child Protection Policy or using the Safeguarding Concern Form on the staff intranet.
• All students are taught about consent through their Personal Development lessons.
•  Staff receive additional training on dealing with disclosures.