What Does Reporting Violence Mean?

Reporting violence means telling a trusted person or authority about incidents of abuse, harassment, or threats, so that action can be taken.

It is a structured process designed to:

• Ensure safety for the learner.
• Record important details.
• Inform responsible authorities.
• Provide follow-up support.

Example:

"Hi, I’m Lutho, and I go to school in Johannesburg. One day, I noticed a classmate who looked scared and kept avoiding certain people. When I asked what was wrong, they told me something had happened that made them feel unsafe.

I offered to go with them to report it to a trusted teacher. The teacher wrote down what happened, made sure they were safe, and contacted the right people to help. Seeing how they were supported taught me that reporting isn’t about getting someone in trouble — it’s about protecting yourself and others, and making sure the school can take action."