Abstract:

This paper examines the views and experiences of preschool teachers about child abuse, neglect, violence and their own roles using a questionnaire data for 197 teachers. The results shows that very few educators received training on the issues of violence, child abuse and neglect, and if, then during their pre-service education. While defining violence, child abuse and neglect, the educators used expressions compliant with the definitions in the relevant literature; however, the definitions of educators were incomplete. In addition, the participants view that children were exposed to violence mostly at their homes. In their professional lives, most educators reported that they faced children who were exposed to violence. And also majority of participants stated that they should play informative role with regard to preventing child abuse, neglect and violence towards children. In this respect, there appeared to be a need for preschool teachers to be educated about identification and handling of child abuse, neglect and related issues.

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