Respect and Safeguarding Pathway
Addressing Harmful Behaviour and Violence Against Women & Girls in Schools
Overview
The Respect & Safeguarding Pathway provides structured intervention addressing harmful behaviour, peer‑on‑peer sexual harassment and violence against women and girls (VAWG) within school settings.
Delivered through the R.E.S.P.E.C.T Framework, the programme strengthens accountability, boundary awareness and positive peer leadership in boys.
It supports schools in moving beyond reactive responses toward preventative, developmental safeguarding practice.
The National Context
National reviews and safeguarding guidance have highlighted the scale of peer‑on‑peer sexual harassment and normalised harmful behaviours in schools.
Government initiatives and statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), require schools to take proactive steps to:
- Address harmful sexual behaviour
- Challenge inappropriate language and misogyny
- Strengthen consent and boundary education
- Prevent violence against women and girls
This pathway provides a structured, developmentally informed response.
A Developmental, Not Reactive Approach
Assemblies and sanctions alone do not shift culture.
Behaviour linked to VAWG is often influenced by:
- Peer hierarchy and status dynamics
- Reinforced masculinity norms
- Online influence and social media exposure
- Emotional regulation gaps
- Bystander silence
The R.E.S.P.E.C.T Framework addresses these drivers directly – building internal accountability rather than surface compliance.
Developmental Focus Area
This pathway strengthens:
- Recognition of harmful behaviours (verbal, physical and online)
- Understanding of consent and boundaries
- Empathy and emotional literacy
- Reflection on masculinity and identity
- Responsible bystander leadership
- Cultural accountability within peer groups
The aim is to foster safe, respectful school environments where girls feel valued and boys understand their role in sustaining that culture.
Delivery Options
The programme can be delivered through:
- Targeted intervention cohorts
- Year‑group structured delivery
- Safeguarding‑aligned workshop series
- Inclusion or pastoral pathways
Delivery is tailored in partnership with the school’s safeguarding priorities
Alignment With Safeguarding Standards
The programme aligns with:
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
- Ofsted safeguarding expectations
- Peer‑on‑peer abuse guidance
- National focus on Violence Against Women & Girls
It supports DSLs and senior leaders in evidencing proactive safeguarding intervention