THE number of reports of rape made at Worcester schools has more than tripled in three years, a Worcester News investigation has revealed.

It comes after West Mercia Police data shows the third most common crime reported at city schools is sexual offences - more common than theft and drug abuse. 

West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) said child-on-child abuse and problematic sexual behaviours are prevalent within learning environments.

However, police pointed out that if the location of an offence is not known, either the nearest known location or the location where the offence was reported is recorded.

A Freedom of Information request submitted by Worcester News found police attended ten callouts to reports of rapes at schools in WR1 to WR5 between September 2023 to June 2024.

Two academic years prior, there were three reports.

Kerrie Best, head of service delivery at West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC), said: “While these statistics may appear shocking to some, to us, they reflect what we know about the prevalence of child-on-child abuse and problematic sexual behaviours within learning environments.

"They also are a potential indicator of how these behaviours are more frequently being recognised and reported."

West Mercia Police said the figures may not provide a comprehensive overview of the crimes as some incidents may happen outside the school grounds and not involve pupils. 

Across the past three academic years, there were 59 cases of sexual offences reported, 78 public order offences and 234 cases of violence against a person at city schools.

Superintendent Gareth Morgan, local policing commander for Worcester, said: “The data includes all incidents where the location has been recorded as a school.

"However, if the location of an offence is not known, either the nearest known location or the location where the offence was reported is recorded.

“All crime reports from schools are reviewed and investigated where appropriate. 

"Where a pupil or staff member has been a victim of crime, we work with the school to make sure appropriate support is offered."

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Worcestershire County Council said keeping children and staff safe is a priority, and it believes the rise in rape callouts is due to survivors feeling more comfortable opening up about their experiences. 

Steve Eccleston, independent chair of Worcestershire Safeguarding Children’s Partnership, said: “The underreporting of sexual offences nationally is well documented.

“I believe these recent figures may highlight a growing trust and confidence amongst children and young people to report such incidents, and the appropriate authorities are then becoming involved."

Charities like WMRSASC work extensively with pupils and schools to help them spot problematic behaviours among pupils and abuse outside of school and empower them to disclose abuse.

If you are a sexual abuse or rape survivor, you can get help and support by using the WMRSASC 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line at 0808 500 2222.

Please visit https://www.wmrsasc.org.uk/our-services/ for more information.