DfE launch new dedicated sexual harassment helpline with NSPCC

The DfE and the NSPCC have setup a dedicated helpline to support pupils who may have been subjected to abuse or unwanted sexual behaviour whilst in an education setting. This comes as Ofsted release their review into the scale of the problem. The extent of the problem was brought to wider attention as a result of anonymous testimonials posted on the website Everyone’s Invited. The testimonials, from students of all genders, at over 3,000 different primary and secondary schools in the UK, describe the experiences of unwanted sexualised behaviour, sexual abuse, and rape. The increased vulnerability of pupils with SEND makes this a concerning picture. A consistent theme is the extent to which survivors felt this behaviour had become normalised in schools. The Everyone’s Invited movement’s mission is to eradicate this rape culture, a culture which normalises misogyny, homophobia, rape jokes, sexual harassment (groping, non-consensual touching), image-based abuse (upskirting, non-consensual sharing of intimate photos, cyber-flashing), and sexual coercion. The website also signposts to the new NSPCC helpline as well as other support services.

The DfE have setup two social media resource packs for schools to access and promote the helpline through their own social media and to cascade to community networks. There is a pack aimed at supporting children and young people and another for adults.