Crime Solicitors

Figures obtained by The Independent under a Freedom of Information (FOI) request have revealed that in the last three years, a total of 2,865 sex crimes were reported by schools between 2011 and 2013.

Data from 37 out of 46 police forces were returned under the FOI request.

The figures represent a 40% increase in the number of sex crimes reported in Britain’s schools over the last three years – and include 300 cases of rape recorded in schools. More than 90% of the victims involved in the sex crimes reported in schools were schoolchildren.

Young adults comprised more than half the offenders involved in school sex crimes reported to the police.

Among the worst cases of sexual violence in schools is the case of a 12-year-old girl who was stripped naked by fellow pupils and raped. The same girl also reported that she had been taken into local woods and sexually abused. The police were alerted when an older girl at the school reported abuse. The school, however, claimed that the two girls had consented to sex and suspended both of them, saying they had breached the school rules.

No charges could be brought in the case because – despite both girls being under the age of consent – the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) ruled there was insufficient evidence to bring a prosecution.

The case was re-investigated by police in 2013 – the girls’ families have since received apologies from the school, which claims it “deeply regrets” that it failed pupils.

Speaking to The Independent, Claire Lilley from children’s charity the NSPCC said:

“Schools must make sure they have adequate safeguarding procedures in place – and that parents and teachers are able to recognise warning signs early so they can take swift action when required.”

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has called the figures “deeply disturbing”.

“Schools should be a place of safety for children and young people.

“The government needs to take action given the evidence of growing sexual violence amongst young people,” she said.

The Department for Education (DfE) said that schools must take any allegation of rape or sexual abuse seriously. A spokesman added that the safeguarding arrangements in place in schools were inspected regularly by the DfE.

The NSPCC has suggested that children and young adults accessing online pornography might play a part in the increase in sexual violence in schools.

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers

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Duncan Lewis crime lawyers regularly visit police stations, courts and prisons as criminal defence lawyers – including youth courts and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs).

For expert legal advice on criminal charges, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

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