Hertfordshire schools have excluded students for sexual misconduct on dozens of occasions in just one year, figures show.
But the Rape Crisis charity said the figures do not show the true extent of sexual abuse in schools, following thousands of allegations by students across England.
Figures from the Department of Education show that schools in Hertfordshire excluded pupils 52 times for sexual misconduct in 2018-2019 – one permanently and 51 temporarily.
However, this was a decrease from the previous year, when there were 59.
Of the exclusions in 2018-19, the vast majority (46) took place in state-funded secondary schools, three in special schools, and three in primary schools.
They were among 1,972 sexual misconduct exclusions – which include incidents of sexual abuse, sexual intimidation and sexual harassment – across England that year.
Despite a 13% drop from the previous year, Rape Crisis said the number of exclusions would not show the true extent of gender-based bullying and sexual violence in schools, especially against girls.
Katie Russell, national spokesperson for the charity, added: “We have known for a number of years about the high prevalence and serious consequences of violence and sexual abuse in schools.
“The Select Committee on Women and Equalities published a comprehensive report on this issue with clear recommendations in 2016, some of which have yet to be implemented.
“No one in government can claim to be unaware of this situation and it is clear that action should have been taken before now.”
Over 14,000 testimonials have been posted on the Everyone’s Invited website, where students can anonymously share their experiences of abuse and assault.
Some students accused their institutions of failing to tackle a “rape culture”.
Website founder Soma Sara said the number of students who have the confidence to report incidences of sexual misconduct is paltry compared to the number who have suffered.
The government announced an immediate review of sexual abuse in schools following the allegations, while an NSPCC hotline and Ofsted review were also launched.
Barnardo’s children’s charity said young people who experience harmful sexual behavior often feel embarrassed or fear they will not be taken seriously.
Javed Khan, Managing Director, said: “In some cases exclusions are necessary, but all children exhibiting inappropriate sexual behavior should have access to therapeutic support so that they can understand, cope with and change their behavior through counseling. trauma-informed rehabilitation.
He added that the introduction of statutory relations education in September was an important step, but much more was needed to avoid the harm.
Overall, schools in Hertfordshire excluded pupils 8,089 times in 2018-2019, of which 7,965 were fixed and 124 permanent.
A government spokesperson said: “When schools fail to meet the strict safeguard standards we have in place, we will take swift action and always support principals to remove a student from the classroom. which creates a calm and disciplined environment.
“We encourage anyone who is aware of specific incidents – and feels comfortable raising concerns – to do so.”
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-11 14:00:00
