Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

As an all-girls school, Coloma recognises the importance of educating and empowering young women to understand their rights, recognise harmful behaviour and have the confidence to speak out against abuse, harassment and discrimination.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a serious societal issue that requires education, awareness and a collective commitment to change. We are committed to challenging the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to violence and abuse, including misogyny, sexism, harassment, coercion and the objectification of women and girls.

We believe that every girl has the right to feel safe, respected and valued, both within and beyond the school community. Through our curriculum, pastoral programme, safeguarding provision and wider personal development opportunities, we promote healthy relationships, mutual respect, equality and the importance of consent.

We help our students to:

• Recognise the signs of controlling, coercive, abusive and unhealthy relationships.

• Understand consent, personal boundaries and the importance of mutual respect.

• Recognise and challenge misogyny, sexism, harassment and harmful attitudes towards women and girls.

• Understand the risks of online abuse, sexual harassment, image-based abuse and exploitation.

• Develop the confidence to speak out, seek help and support others.

• Understand that abuse is never the fault of the person experiencing it.

We take all reports of harassment, sexual violence, intimidation and harmful behaviour seriously.We provide support to those affected, respond in accordance with our safeguarding procedures and work with specialist agencies where appropriate.

At Coloma, we want our young women to find their voices, know their worth and help shape a society in which every woman and girl can live free from violence, fear and discrimination.

Child-on-child abuse: recognising and responding to harm

We are committed to ensuring that all students understand that abuse is never acceptable, whoever it comes from. Harmful behaviour between children and young people can take place in school, outside school and online.

This may include:

• Bullying, intimidation and physical violence.

• Sexual harassment and unwanted sexual comments or attention.

• Sexual violence and harmful sexual behaviour.

• Misogynistic language, sexism and discriminatory behaviour.

• Sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent.

• Online harassment, cyberbullying and the use of technology to humiliate, threaten or exploit others.

• Coercive, controlling or abusive behaviour within friendships and relationships.

We do not dismiss harmful behaviour as banter, joking, a normal part of growing up or something that students should simply tolerate. Every concern is considered individually and responded to appropriately.

Our approach places the safety and wellbeing of the child at the centre of every decision. We recognise that children who display harmful behaviours may also have safeguarding needs, and we work to ensure that appropriate action, support and intervention are provided.

Students are encouraged to speak to a trusted adult whenever something makes them feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried. They will be listened to and taken seriously.