Awareness levels of teachers regarding the physical abuse in children

Abstract

The aim of our research is to determine the awareness of primary school teachers on physical abuse in children according to their gender and professional experience. Material and Methods, Teachers in primary schools of four central distinct Directorate of National Education within Mersin province constituted the research population of the study. Teachers who agreed to participate in research based on a voluntary basis according to simple random sampling method (n:137) formed the research sample of the study. Data were collected using a survey having 21 questions which were rephrased by researchers. Research ethical committee and National Education Directorate approvals relating the study were taken prior to data collection. Results, In this study, teachers are determined to be female in 51%, to have a mean age of 37.58±7.64 to be married in 86.9%. “Bruises and wounds on child’s face” which is a physical abuse indication is regarded by teachers as a physical abuse indication in 88.3% while 11.7% of them do not regarded the marks as a physical abuse. Human bites are realized largely for the purpose of punishment and they show abuse. Child's hand and arm are the areas where an adult hold the child tightly. “Bruises and bite marks on child’s hand and arm” which is a physical abuse indication is regarded by teachers as a physical abuse indication in 93.4% while 6.6% of them do not regarded the marks as a physical abuse. 70.8% of the teachers have encountered “parental disregard to their children” finding within last two years. Conclusion, It is recommended that training about child abuse and child neglect which is qualified to meet the requirements of students and their families should be given to graduate teachers and student teachers studying in early childhood education.

Keywords: child, abuse, physical, psychology