Abuse in Schools – Helpline and Review Established In Response To Thousands of Allegations

The government has confirmed that a helpline, which will be run by the NSPCC, and a review of safeguarding policies, which will be conducted by Ofsted, have both been established in response to allegations of sexual abuse received from thousands of students.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said “Sexual abuse in any form is abhorrent and it is vital that these allegations are dealt with properly. While the majority of schools take their safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously, I am determined to make sure the right resources and processes are in place across the education system to support any victims of abuse to come forward”.

According to a poll of 1000 young women aged 14-21, completed in Autumn of 2020 by girl’s rights charity Plan International UK, more than half of them had been sexually harassed at their school, college or University, 1 in 5 of them said they had received unwanted sexual comments and 8% had been groped.

The discussion surrounding a culture of sexual abuse at schools escalated in recent weeks due to a website set up for victims, which enabled them to post their experiences anonymously. The website named Everyone’s Invited (www.everyonesinvited.uk) received more than 11,000 posts, some from children as young as 9.

NSPCC’s Chief Executive Sir Peter Wanless said that “the testimonies being shared through Everyone’s Invited are extremely upsetting, and underline the urgent need to tackle violence against girls. This is a watershed moment thanks to those who have found the courage to speak out”

The review completed by Ofsted will look at safeguarding polices in state and private school, in order to determine whether guidance for schools around sexual harassment needs to be improved. Currently, this review is due to be concluded by the end of May 2021.

The Report Abuse in Education helpline, which can be reached on 0800 136 663, will be open Monday to Friday from 8am – 10pm and on a weekend from 9am – 6pm. You can also email help@nspcc.org.uk.

The aim of the helpline is to provide support to potential victims, and to provide advice to children and adults (professionals and parents are welcome) including how to contact the police and report crimes, should they wish to.

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