The Moral Witness Principle

The principle that, before or as wrongdoing occurs, there is often someone who becomes aware of what is happening, recognises that something is wrong, or is close enough to its warning signs to intervene, yet remains silent because of fear, misplaced loyalty, indifference or other pressures.

Every person who becomes aware of wrongdoing can become a responsible moral witness rather than a silent shelter, choosing appropriate and safe action to protect people, support what is right, reinforce accountability, and help create a society where wrongdoing has increasingly fewer places to hide.

The principle seeks to strip wrongdoers of the power to operate in the shadows, where silence, fear, misplaced loyalty and indifference can allow their acts to survive.

— AdeOluwa Ope. Adenaike