What is a reporting mechanism?

Reporting mechanisms are systems that enable victims/witnesses and their advocates to report crimes or violations. Safe, easily accessible, confidential reporting mechanisms are important in terms of addressing Sexual Reproductive and Gender Based Violence (SRGBV). This is important so that all learners can safely report violence and abuse and know that there are supportive services. Reporting mechanisms are critical for holding perpetrators of SRGBV to account for their actions and ensuring that the perpetrator can do no more harm to students or the community (USAID, 2009).

Reporting mechanisms should ensure confidentiality, accountability, prevention and response to harm, and contextual considerations in their design. In establishing a reporting mechanism, one should:

• Start by identifying barriers to reporting of safeguarding concerns and design reporting mechanism to address these barriers;
• Allow for multiple options for reporting e.g. suggestion boxes, emails, WhatsApp, confidential whistle-blower line, through the human resources department, line management, and legal office among others;
• Provide for options for anonymous reporting;
  
• Ensure that the reporting channels have controls that ensure protection of personal data, privacy, and confidentiality. Information sharing should be on a need-to-know basis;
• Ensure that all learners, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders know about the reporting mechanisms and how to use them; 
• Create a speaking up culture, where people feel safe to raise concerns, without victimization or retaliation, and;
• Establish internal reporting mechanisms to aid in addressing specific concerns as per institutional policies

• The National GBV helpline 1195;
• Police helpline 999/112;
• Childline Kenya helpline 116;
• UWIANO SMS Platform 10;
• Kimbilio GBV helpline 1193 ;
• LVCT one 2 one youth helpline 1190, and;
• FIDA SMS platform 21661.