GIRLS experience gender and sexual violence in schools around the world, and South Africa is no exception. Research has shown how learners, and girls in particular, are vulnerable to violence. EMMANUEL MAYEZA, Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology, University of the Free State DEEVIA BHANA, Professor Gender and Childhood Sexuality, University of KwaZulu-Natal Despite the country’s political response to violence against women and girls, school-going girls struggle with male violence in and out of school. Learners who are victimised at school often show poor academic performance, regular school absenteeism, anxiety and depression, drug and alcohol use, psychological trauma, and dropping out…