Peer-reviewed article

The meanings of violence against children and adolescents, according to education professionals,

Paula Orchiucci Miura, Melinda Torres Barros Ferreira, Ana Letícia Rios Castro Alves · 1 Jan 2025

Abstract

Abstract Violence against children and adolescents is a problem that cuts across all socioeconomic, educational, and ethnic groups. Its occurrence causes human suffering and considerable harm to the development of both the individual and society. In this context, education plays a vital role in preventing violence against children and adolescents. However, it is essential to understand how education professionals perceive this issue so they can act more effectively. Thus, this study aimed to understand the meanings of violence against children and adolescents according to education professionals. To this end, an exploratory qualitative study was conducted with 90 professionals from six public schools in the city of Maceió, AL. The Thematic Drawing-and-Story Procedure (DET) was applied, and data were analyzed according to Vaisberg. The analysis of the DETs made it possible to identify four thematic categories: (I) the naturalization and transgenerational nature of intrafamilial violence; (II) the effects of violence on the lives of children and adolescents; (III) the absence of the protective role of the state, society, and the school; and (IV) the school as the main agent in addressing violence. Education professionals represented violence against children and adolescents as a transgenerational family problem, reflecting the underlying difficulties in addressing this violence, but there was also evidence of professional engagement and recognition of the school’s potential in combating this issue.