Child Victim
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2.1 |
Severe harm may be caused to children by abusive and bullying behaviour of other children, which may be physical, sexual or emotional and such abuse must be taken as seriously as abuse perpetrated by an adult. |
2.2 |
The same signs and symptoms of abuse that pertain to the abuse of children by adults are applicable to the abuse of children by other children. |
2.3 |
The effect on the victim of intimidation and peer pressure by their abuser may make disclosure difficult for the victim. |
2.4 |
In sexual abuse between children it is important to determine what is developmentally normal sexual experimentation and what is coercive |
2.5 |
Professionals must decide in the circumstances of each case whether or not behaviour directed at another child should be categorised as 'abusive' and it will be helpful to consider the following factors:
- Relative chronological and developmental age of the 2 children (the greater the difference the more likely the behaviour should be defined as abusive);
- A differential in power or authority (e.g. related to race or physical or intellectual vulnerability of the victim);
- Actual behaviour (both physical and verbal factors must be considered);
- Whether the behaviour could be described as age appropriate or involves inappropriate sexual knowledge or motivation;
- Physical aggression, bullying or bribery;
- The victim's experience and perception of the behaviour;
- Attempts to ensure secrecy;
- An assessment of the change in the behaviour over time (whether it has become more severe or more frequent);
- Duration and frequency of behaviour.
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2.6 |
When there is suspicion or an allegation of a child having sexually abused or being likely to sexually abuse another child (or an adult), it should be referred immediately to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub or the CAIU. |
Adult Victim
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2.7 |
If allegations concern abuse of an adult by a child, the police would normally undertake the criminal investigation, but Children's Social Care should be advised of any allegation of abusive behaviour by a child, irrespective of the age of the victim. |
Alleged Abuser
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2.8 |
The possibility the abuser is or was also a victim should be considered. |
Bullying
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2.9 |
Bullying is a common form of deliberately hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for the victims to defend themselves.
See Brief Guides, Bullying |
2.10 |
The damage inflicted by bullying is often underestimated and can cause considerable distress to children to the extent that it affects their health and development. In the extreme it can cause Significant Harm, including self-harm. |
2.11 |
It can take many forms, but the main types are physical e.g. hitting, kicking, theft; verbal e.g. racist or homophobic remarks, threats, name calling and emotional e.g. isolating an individual from social activities. Bullying can also be perpetrated online (cyber bullying). Perpetrators and victims of bullying may be male or female |
2.12 |
All settings in which children are provided with services or are living away from home are required to adopt policies to combat bullying and in the first instance, cases should be dealt with under such policies. |
2.13 |
Where there are concerns about sexual abuse or serious or persistent physical or emotional abuse, referrals should be made to Children's Social Care or the police CAIU. |
2.14 |
Bullying may involve an allegation of crime (assault, theft, harassment) and this must be reported to the police at the earliest opportunity. |
Schools' Role in Recognition of Abuse
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2.15 |
Concerns about possible abuse by one child of another are frequently first considered within a school environment and it may frequently be unclear if the circumstances should be considered under child protection procedures or not. |
2.16 |
Where it is clear that the concern is one of child protection there should be no delay in the referral to Children's Social Care or the CAIU e.g. disclosure or witnessing of sexual abuse or allegation of physical assault. |
2.17 |
Where further assessment is required prior to deciding the extent and nature of the concerns, the school should:
- Ensure parents / guardian of both victim and alleged perpetrator/s are advised and invited to be present when the children are interviewed formally;
- Provide pupils with the opportunity to record or dictate in their own words their version of events;
- Consider any need to separate the alleged victim and perpetrator in the classroom, in the school and the possible need to send one or both home;
- Not interview either child on their own after the preliminary interview following the complaint/concern - they should be accompanied by a parent or guardian;
- Keep a written record of pertinent information including date, time, those present and signature - a diagram / photo of the room / playground may be useful, as well as a description of who was present etc.;
- Provide the child with the opportunity to confirm the accuracy of the record and record any disagreement.
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