Kentish Express Ashford & District
More sex offences at schools
Reports of sexual offences committed at Kent schools have massively increased over a four-year period.
There were 15 reports of sexual offences on school premises recorded in 2011/12. But Kent Police revealed that this shot up to 57 the following year.
The same figure was recorded for 2013/14. In 2014/15 the figure fell to 44.
Reported incidents included abuse of position of trust of a sexual nature, causing sexual activity without consent, exposure and voyeurism, rape, sexual activity with a child, sexual grooming and sexual assault.
The figures were revealed following a Freedom of Information request from children’s charity Plan International UK.
The charity’s head of girls’ rights, Kerry Smith, said: “This shows that we’re failing young people when it comes to learning about healthy relationships and consent.
“Quality sex and relationships education helps young people to develop healthy attitudes while helping to tackle inappropriate and aggressive sexual behaviour.”
Kent’s figures are on a par with national figures, which have also more than doubled in four years to 1,955 in 2014/15.
Data was received from 34 of 45 UK police forces. Police Scotland declined the request on cost grounds.
A Kent Police spokesman said: “We treat all crimes of a sexual nature seriously, particularly those involving children.
“We investigate to ensure offenders are prosecuted and work closely with social services to manage children who are victims of sexual harm as well as address the behaviour of those who abuse others.
“In every case of reported sexual offences within schools we investigate thoroughly and make a considered decision with partners about the most appropriate way to manage all those involved which will put the needs of the victim at the heart of the decision.
“Although there has been an increase in recorded reports since 2011, it is important to note that Kent Police has improved the way it records crime, with Her Majes- ty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary acknowledging our 96% accuracy rate and this has had a direct impact on crime figures, particularly sexual offences.”