In Jain dharma there is no one‑word answer like “always report” or “never report.” It depends on:

• your intention (bhāv)
• the type of harm
• and what action will reduce overall himsā (violence, pain)

Below is a simple Jain way to think about it.

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1. Basic Jain principles involved

1. Ahimsā (non‑violence)

- Do not harm anyone (including yourself). - Do not support or protect a person who is doing serious harm to others.

1. Aparigraha & Kshamā (non‑attachment & forgiveness)

- Let go of anger and revenge. - Try to forgive in your heart, so hatred does not grow.

1. Satya (truthfulness)

- Do not lie to protect the wrongdoer. - Hiding serious crime can become a form of supporting adharma (wrong).

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2. When reporting is usually better

From a Jain point of view, reporting is generally better when:

• The crime is serious – like physical violence, abuse, threats, serious cheating, harassment, etc.
• The person may harm others again if nothing is done.
• You are reporting with the intention to stop harm, not to take revenge.

In such cases:

• By reporting, you help protect yourself and protect others, which supports ahimsā in society.
• You are not doing violence; the legal system decides the punishment.
• Your effort should be: “Let injustice stop, but let me keep my mind free from hatred.”

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3. When not reporting might be acceptable

Sometimes a matter is:

• Very small (minor insult, small argument, tiny loss).
• The other person is truly repentant and ready to correct themselves.
• Solving it with peaceful talk, mediation, or forgiving will clearly reduce tension and anger for everyone.

In such cases, quiet forgiveness or private settlement can be more in line with Jain ideals — as long as:

• You are truly safe.
• Others are not in danger.
• You are not hiding something serious that could lead to more harm.

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4. What to check inside yourself

Before deciding, ask:

1. Am I keeping my own safety and others’ safety in mind?
2. Am I acting from fear / anger / revenge, or from a calm wish to stop himsā?
3. If I stay silent,

- will this person likely harm again? - will I be forced to lie or keep hiding the truth?

If silence will allow continued harm, then from a Jain view, responsible reporting is better.

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5. Practical Jain approach

• For serious crimes:

- Protect yourself first. - Take help from family, trusted people, and authorities. - Keep a compassionate inner attitude, but do not allow adharma to continue.

• For small personal hurts:

- Try to forgive, let go, or resolve peacefully. - Do pratikraman (inner repentance) if anger or hatred has arisen in you.

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Summary: In Jainism, the aim is always to reduce total suffering and purify your own bhāv. So:

• If not reporting allows further harm → better to report, with a calm and non‑revengeful mind.
• If the matter is small, safe, and can be truly settled with forgiveness → not reporting and forgiving can be better.

If you want, you can describe the type of crime (without personal details), and I can help you think through it in a more specific Jain way.