Reporting abuse, whether you’re the victim or not, is not an easy thing to do. It requires a lot of courage and bravery because you don’t know how the abuser will react once they realise they’ve been reported – which is why some people would rather not report abuse.  However, reporting abuse is important. If you or someone you know is being abused and you don’t know if you should report it or not, here are 5 reasons why you should.

It stops the cycle

When an abusive person gets away with abuse for a long time, they continue to do it – knowing they will get away with it. 

Reporting abuse means that you stop the cycle and you also help someone (or yourself) who might be scared to report it themselves. 

Long-term effects on the victim

Abuse can have long-term effects on the victim such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or prolonged emotional difficulties like anxiety, low self-esteem or even anger issues. 

Reporting abuse stops the perpetrator from hurting the victim any further and possibly causing them long-term harm. 

Helps the victim get support 

Reporting abuse can help the victim get the necessary support & help. As much as you might think it’s none of your business or you might get them in trouble – you might also be their saviour because they can’t stand up for themselves (at that moment). 

Encourages the victim to be courageous 

It’s important to remember that not everyone is able to help themselves. When you report abuse, you show the victim that it’s okay to be courageous and brave – and that might encourage them to stand up for themselves or others next time. 

You could save a life

According to Africa Check, South Africa’s femicide rate is 5 times more than the rest of the world, which means that a lot of women suffer from abuse at the hands of their partners and that this abuse often leads to death.  For many women getting out of an abusive relationship could actually be life saving. 

Many people have either been directly or indirectly affected by abuse. Abuse can be really difficult to report, and that’s completely understandable. But the more we are #donewithsilence when it comes to abuse, the more we let perpetrators know that abuse is wrong and will not be tolerated. 

If you, or someone you know, is in an abusive relationship, you can report abuse at your nearest police station or to the following organisations: 

LifeLine: 011 728 1347

National counselling line: 0861 322 322

Stop Gender Violence helpline: 0800 150 150

People Opposed to Women Abuse (POWA) helpline: 011 591 6803/ 083 765 1235 

If you need advice or help, remember that you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).