Peer Abuse
Children, particularly those living away from home, may be subject to physical, emotional or sexual abuse by their peers. Complaints by a child or a young person must be taken seriously and must be the subject of further enquiry. (See also "Bullying" in this section of the procedures) Initial enquiries, i.e. asking staff or foster carers what is known of the allegation, may be made by the person to whom the complaint is made, providing that this is not the person complained about. However, in situations where: the carers are the subject of the complaint or; there remains a concern or; where action has not been taken to address the complaint; contact must be made with the Helpdesk (Tel: 01952 385700) using the procedure contained in "Managing Cases" in these procedures
Children and young people who abuse their peers are also children in need. Their circumstances need to be the subject of further enquiry. Further advice is available in the Document Library, attached to these procedures, and entitled Abuse by Peers.
A protocol on sexually harmful behaviour can be found in the Document Library. This deals with the process that takes place between West Mercia Police, the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Youth Offending Service, the Children's Services (both Helpdesk and Education) and the NSPCC Sexually Harmful Behaviour Service.