In South Africa, violence experienced in schools—ranging from physical punishment and bullying to sexual harassment, gender-based violence and technology-facilitated abuse—does not occur in isolation, but reflects and reinforces broader societal norms rooted in gender inequality, power imbalances and the normalisation of violence. These experiences shape children’s perceptions of relationships, identity and self-worth, often setting them on pathways that increase the likelihood of both victimisation and perpetration of violence later in life.

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The report highlights strong evidence of the long-term impacts of school-based violence, particularly on girls, who face heightened risks of sexual violence, teen pregnancy, school dropout and future intimate partner violence. It also draws attention to lesser-examined forms of violence, including learner-to-teacher abuse and technology-facilitated violence, which can exacerbate trauma, undermine learning environments and remain largely unreported. Structural factors such as poverty, community violence and weak support systems intensify these risks, contributing to cycles of poly-victimisation across home, school and digital spaces.

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The chapter concludes that schools are uniquely positioned to disrupt the intergenerational transmission of violence if they adopt comprehensive, whole-school approaches. Evidence-based strategies include promoting gender-equitable norms, implementing social and emotional learning (SEL), training teachers in trauma-informed and non-violent practices, enabling safe disclosure, and providing targeted support for vulnerable learners such as pregnant adolescents. When embedded within supportive policies and strong community partnerships, these integrated interventions can transform schools into protective environments that not only improve educational outcomes, but also play a decisive role in preventing violence against both women and children over the long term.

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To read the full Report