A coalition of nearly 90 organisations has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging “decisive action” on violence against women and girls. This follows a Guardian investigation that revealed the extent of child-on-child sexual abuse in schools across England and Wales.
The groups have called on Labour to intensify efforts to meet its manifesto commitment to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) and “end this cycle of harm once and for all”.
Guardian analysis of police data from 2021-25 indicated that an average of nearly five sexual crimes against children aged 12 and younger were recorded daily in primary and secondary schools in England and Wales. This data included reports of almost 2,000 rapes and attempted rapes, averaging one allegation of rape at a school per day, with over a third of victims under 13.
The analysis also showed at least 8,500 sexual offences against under-13s were recorded by police as occurring on school premises or nearby between 2021-25, equating to 4.7 reported offences daily. While most reports did not specify the perpetrator's age, lawyers and experts suggest they are likely to be fellow pupils, with most victims being girls.
The letter to the Prime Minister stated that the data “shines a light on the harrowing reality of sexual violence in education and among young people,” adding that “all children should have the right to access education without facing abuse.” The Department for Education has been contacted for comment.