Child-on-Child Abuse, Sexual Violence, Sexual Harassment and HSB

Establish a same-day triage route to the DSL

When a report comes in it goes to the DSL the same day — not when there is time. The DSL makes the initial risk assessment. The alleged perpetrator and victim are managed separately from that point.

Use a standard risk assessment for every reported incident

The risk assessment considers: severity, frequency, age and power dynamics, online element, previous concerns, and the wishes of the victim. Document the assessment and the decisions it drove — including decisions not to take further action.

Map local specialist services for victim support

Local ISVA services, specialist sexual violence support organisations, CAMHS and social care may all be relevant. Know who to call before you need to call them.

Plan how the victim is kept safe in all spaces

If the victim and the alleged perpetrator share a class, a break time, a bus home or a social media group — each of those spaces needs to be considered in the safety plan. A risk assessment that only covers lessons is not complete.

Teach respectful behaviour proactively and revisit after incidents

Annual PSHE is not enough. Healthy relationships, consent, online behaviour and respectful communication need to be a thread throughout the curriculum — and revisited explicitly after any significant incident.