Crime and violence permeates our homes and neighbourhoods. It has even permeated our schools, with available statistics suggesting that one in five learners are subjected to direct forms of violence and others experience violence indirectly.

A normal day at school includes bullying, physical assaults, sexual violence, substance use, learners carrying dangerous weapons and criminal activities.

The notion that schools are supposed to be safe havens where teaching and learning is the primary function is being gradually being eroded as schools appear to be breeding grounds for violence.

More and more cases of violence between learners at primary and high schools appear in the media.