Educators as Perpetrators and Victims of School Violence

• NCJ Number: 221544
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: 2007 Pages: 10-42
• Author(s): C. de Wet
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 33 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
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Annotation

This article reports on an investigation on the exposure of Free State educators to school violence in South Africa.

Abstract

The study provides ample evidence that Free State educators are victims and perpetrators of school violence. In addition, it was found that females and younger educators were more often the victims of most types of school violence than their male and older colleagues. The qualitative data revealed the underlying reasons for educator-centered violence, as well as the gendered nature of the violence. The overall pattern of learner-on-educator violence is that educators are more likely to be victims of non-physical than physical violence. Based on the most important findings from the study, several recommendations are offered, such as schools should have a clear and consistently enforced discipline policy, schools should be aware of their relative vulnerability to violence, and the school, as well as educator training curriculums should address gender issues. A reading of newspaper articles paints a grim picture of school violence in South Africa. However, the majority of studies on school violence in South Africa focus on learners as perpetrators and victims of school violence. This study attempted to answer the questions of what were Free State educators’ experiences and perceptions of educators as victims and perpetrators of school violence and what was the possible influence of gender and age on the victimization of educators? References and appendix