EXAMINATION OF ATTITUDES OF SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS TOWARDS CHILD NEGLECT AND ABUSE REPORTING IN TERMS OF DIFFERENT VARIABLES

Authors

  • Fatima Şenda Değirmenci Cyprus International University, Faculty of Education, Department of Special Education, North Cyprus
  • Cahit Nuri Asst. Prof. Dr., Cyprus International University, Faculty of Education, Department of Special Education, North Cyprus
  • Cemaliye Direktör Asst. Prof. Dr., European University of Lefke, Faculty of Art and Science, Department of Psychology, North Cyprus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejse.v7i1.3636

Keywords:

child, child abuse, child neglect, individual with special needs, teacher

Abstract

In this study, the attitudes of special education teachers working in various schools in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus towards reporting child neglect and abuse were examined according to various variables. In accordance with this purpose, 86 special education teachers participated in the study. A personal information form and a "teacher attitudes towards the reporting of child abuse and neglect" survey were applied to the participants. Four out of ten of the participating teachers indicated that they received education on child abuse, and nine out of ten stated that marrying a child younger than 18 should be considered as an abuse. On the other side, one in six teachers stated that they had been abused as children. In the matter of responding to reports of child abuse and neglect and meeting the need, teachers do not find the current system effective and adequate. When the responses of the teachers to the survey were examined, it was observed that they thought it was significant for teachers to fulfill their obligation of notification to reduce and prevent child abuse and neglect in the long run. As a result, it is important for teachers to have knowledge of the legal legislation on abuse of children, what civil and public institutions they can reach on this issue and what common activities can be carried out with them, what reactions they can give in times of crisis or critical situations, and how they can guide people. In-service training on the related issues can be shown as a requirement.

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Author Biographies

  • Fatima Şenda Değirmenci, Cyprus International University, Faculty of Education, Department of Special Education, North Cyprus
    Fatima Şenda Değirmenci has completed her non-thesis graduate from in Teaching the Mentally Disabled at the Cyprus International University, North Cyprus. Her research interests include education of children with special needs, child neglect and abuse, and sexuality and sexual education of children with special needs. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1556-3020
  • Cahit Nuri, Asst. Prof. Dr., Cyprus International University, Faculty of Education, Department of Special Education, North Cyprus
    Assist. Prof. Dr. Cahit Nuri is a faculty member and head of the Department of Special Education, Cyprus International University. His research on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Family Education and the sexuality and sexual education of children with special needs. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0805-1972
  • Cemaliye Direktör, Asst. Prof. Dr., European University of Lefke, Faculty of Art and Science, Department of Psychology, North Cyprus
    Assist. Prof. Dr. Cemaliye Direktör is working as a lecturer at the European University of Lefke, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology. Her research interests include psychological factors in Child Abuse, Addictions and Special Needs Child Education. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6055-2224

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Published

2021-03-21

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2021)

Section

Articles

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