Eureka! Institutional Repository

Special attention is now paid to the worldwide and timeless social problem of child abuse. The complex factors that affect it and the large number of negative consequences for children's psychosocial health make this phenomenon constantly on the forefront. Recent research has recognized the important role teachers play in helping to detect and prevent child abuse because of their close daily contact with children. However, it is especially important for teachers to have knowledge and skills in preventing, detecting and responding to child abuse. In the present work, it was investigated by interviewing thirteen primary school teachers whether they recognize child abuse within the family and how they manage this phenomenon. In particular, in this qualitative research work, an attempt was made to examine the knowledge of the legal status, detection and treatment of child abuse within the family. Our research showed that teachers cannot recognize the different forms of child abuse and find it difficult to manage incidents in general. In addition, it appeared necessary to educate them on the issue of phenomenon as well as the need of co-operation of various specialties in order to deal more realistically.