InspireU peer-to-peer abuse policy

Although the type of abuse may have a varying effect on the victim and initiator of the harm, these simple steps can help clarify the situation and establish the facts before deciding the consequences for those involved in perpetrating harm.

It is necessary to gather the information as soon as possible to get the true facts around what has occurred. It is equally important to deal with it sensitively and think about the language used and the impact of that language on both the young people and the parents when they become involved. 

In all cases of peer on peer abuse it is necessary that all staff are trained in dealing with such incidents, talking to young people and instigating immediate support in a calm and consistent manner. Staff should not be prejudiced, judgemental, dismissive or irresponsible in dealing with such sensitive matters.

All reports of suspected abuse must be reported in full to the DSL, with all information gathered so that they direct staff on the appropriate course of action.

Speak to all the young people involved separately, gain a statement of facts from them and use consistent language and open questions for each account. The easiest way to do this is not to have a line of questioning but to ask the young people to tell you what happened. Only interrupt the young person from this to gain clarity with open questions, ‘where, when, why, who’:

• what happened
• who observed the incident
• what was seen
• what was heard
• did anyone intervene

Consider the intent (begin to risk assess)

Determine if this has been a deliberate or contrived situation for a young person to be able to harm another.

Decide on your next course of action

If from the information that you gather you believe any young person to be at risk of significant and immediate harm you must call the police on a 999.  The DSL may direct you to make a safeguarding referral to social care immediately and /or a report to the police if a crime is believed to have been committed.  If this is the case, once social care has been contacted and made a decision on what will happen next will be and your DSL will be informed of the next steps.

If social care and the police intend to pursue this further they may ask to interview the young people or they may ask for parents to come to college to be spoken to also. It is important to be prepared for every situation and the potential time it may take.

It may also be that social care feel that it does not meet their criteria in which case you may challenge that decision, with that individual or their line manager. If on discussion however, you agree with the decision, you may then be left to inform parents.

Informing parents (if appropriate)

Once appropriate advice has been sought from police or social care you need to inform the parents as soon as possible. You must also notify them if services are not going to be involved. In all circumstances where the risk of harm to the young person is evident then InspireU should encourage the young person to share the information with their parent.  

The best way to inform parents is face to face. Although this may be time consuming, the nature of the incident and the type of harm/abuse a young person may be suffering can cause fear and anxiety to parents whether their child is the child who was harmed or who harmed another.