Lawrence Sheriff has a zero tolerance approach towards any kind of sexual abuse or sexual harassment.  

Sexual abuse is any behaviour of a sexual nature which is unwanted and takes place without consent or understanding. This includes rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, childhood sexual abuse, female genital mutilation and more. 

Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which: violates your dignity. makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated. creates a hostile or offensive environment. Sexual harassment can include: 

•sexual comments, such as: telling sexual stories, making lewd comments, making sexual remarks about clothes and appearance and calling someone sexualised names. 

• sexual “jokes” or taunting.

• physical behaviour, such as: deliberately brushing against someone, interfering with someone’s clothes 

• online sexual harassment, such as sharing of nude and semi-nude images and videos, unwanted sexual comments and messages, including, on social media. 

REPORTING INCIDENTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE & HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment or sexual abuse can occur between young people of any age. Any reports of sexual harassment or sexual abuse are taken very seriously indeed and all victims of this behaviour will be listened to, supported and kept safe.  Lawrence Sheriff understands that reporting an incident of this nature can feel very distressing, and would reassure any young person that all situations will be treated sensitively and discreetly. 

Any incidents or concerns regarding sexual abuse or sexual harassment should be reported to a teacher or member of staff that you feel comfortable talking to. You can also report this directly to a Designated Safeguarding Lead either in person or using the following email address: safeguarding@lawrencesheriffschool.com

Sexual abuse and harassment can also be reported as a criminal matter - 

CEOP  (Child Exploitation and Online Protection command) CEOP is a law enforcement agency and is here to help keep children and young people safe from sexual abuse and grooming online.  

The Police The following link lets you report a non-emergency (101) to your local police force. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Childline  provides free and confidential advice for children and young people. 

Lucy Faithfull Foundation The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is the only UK-wide child protection charity dedicated solely to preventing child sexual abuse. 

Rape Crisis  Provide and signpost to a range of services to support people who have experienced rape, child abuse or any kind of sexual violence. 

The Survivors Trust - UK-wide national umbrella agency with resources and support dedicated to survivors of rape, sexual violence and child sex abuse.

Barnardo's - UK charity caring for and supporting some of the most vulnerable children and young people through their range of services.