While schools have been constructed as spaces in which children can learn in a safe, protected environment, this is unfortunately not the case in the majority of South African schools.  Children are, more often than not, reluctant to come forward to report circumstances of abuse.  I believe that it is the responsibility of every member of a community to take action against the ongoing abuse of women and children.  We need to understand that these incidences do not only affect the victim, but they influence the many social relationships within the community, such as those between children, parents and teachers, which, in turn, has a deep and lasting impact on social dynamics in society.