Abstract:

Although it is very important for children to live in a safe and peaceful environment, unfortunately millions of children are hurt every year in many countries around the world, children are subjected to physical, sexual or emotional abuse.  The school environment is quite favorable for the detection of children with a history of sexual abuse. Therefore, the school’s psychological counselors (rehber teachers) have great tasks. The aim of this study is to understand the views and levels of knowledge of psychological consultants candidates studying in the guidance and psychological consultancy degree program on child sexual abuse. Another purpose of this study is to describe the levels of awareness of psychological consultants about child sexual abuse, how they feel sufficient. This research was carried out in accordance with the phenomonology study, which is a type of quality research methods. In this context, eight psychiatric consultants have been discussed. In light of the findings obtained, it has been shown that psychological consultants have emphasized the concepts of abuse and exploitation while defining sexual abuse. It is also understood that candidates for psychological consultants have limited knowledge about sexual abuse. The candidates have declared that they are concerned, worried, and afraid of having faced cases of sexual abuse. When the answers are analyzed, the fear of not knowing what to do is based on these negative emotions. The candidates emphasized training and awareness activities to prevent sexual abuse and pointed out that the role of psychological consultants is important. Finally, the candidates have pointed out that the education they receive for sexual abuse is insufficient and that there should be practical training in the curriculum and the curriculum content.

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