This was supported by the establishment of 3 new reporting channels. Beyond the numbers, the team noted a positive shift toward greater community engagement and trust in these new systems.
The main activities that contributed to these outcomes included community and higher education outreach sessions, collaboration with local leaders and NGOs, and the development of educational materials. This period also saw the emergence of new, innovative approaches, such as the use of mobile reporting apps for anonymous reporting and the creation of community-led monitoring groups to ensure the sustainability of their work.

A Story of Change: The Bridge to Trust
The West Rand team’s journey was not without its hurdles. They faced limited resources, but their most significant obstacle was the initial resistance from some community members hesitant to report due to stigma and deeply ingrained cultural norms. This challenge was met with a deeper, more human approach to their work.

The team knew that a flyer or a formal meeting alone wouldn’t be enough to overcome years of silence and mistrust. They chose a different path, one built on the existing relationships with local NGOs and community leaders. These relationships became the foundation of their work, allowing them to approach communities with an authenticity that formal institutions sometimes lack.
The true turning point came with the collaborative community sessions.

Through open dialogue and a willingness to listen, the team began to build bridges. They didn’t just tell people how to report; they facilitated a space where community members could voice their fears and concerns in different safe spaces. This enabled a quiet but profound shift. Individuals who were once hesitant to report a case slowly started to trust the process. The team’s flexibility, a key enabler for their success, allowed them to adapt their strategy in real time based on this feedback, reinforcing a sense of partnership rather than top-down instruction.

This journey taught the team a vital lesson: building trust is the most powerful tool for change. The concrete impact was a 30% increase in case reporting, a number that stands as a testament to this newfound trust.

The soft impact was even greater: strengthened relationships with law enforcement and youth organizations, and a team of dedicated volunteers empowered to continue the work. It was a powerful reminder that while short-term initiatives can have immediate results, their most lasting legacy is the groundwork they lay for sustained engagement and genuine community ownership.