Ann-Charlotte Münger

Recognition and identification of children in preschool and school who are exposed to domestic violence

ABSTRCT Although domestic violence takes place in the private domain, preschool and school professionals are confronted with its consequences in the intermediate domain between home and school when they encounter children who have been exposed to violence. This article investigates whether and how Swedish professionals in pre/school identify children who are exposed to domestic violence. The results show that pre/school professionals argue that they do not have enough knowledge about the phenomenon or about how to identify the symptoms or signals that emerge from family violence. However, most of these professionals talk about their experience in identifying different factors, both known and unknown, that are important in the process of recognizing children who have been exposed to domestic violence. Even though they find it important to identify and support these children, some professionals have difficulty connecting the issue of witnessing violence with child abuse. In addition, the question of whether and how children who have been exposed to domestic violence are perceived as included in the school’s educational duties seems to be an important issue affecting the staff’s readiness to respond to signals and symptoms.

The decision whether to report on children exposed to domestic violence: perceptions and experiences of teachers and school health staff

Abstract The law requires staff at Swedish preschools and schools to report suspected or known child abuse to the child protection services (CPS). In this qualitative study, focus group and individual interviews with teachers and staff in the school health teams (SHTs) were conducted to examine their experiences and strategies when they decide to make or not make a legislative report to the CPS when they suspect or know that a child has been witnessing domestic violence. What affect professionals at preschool and school when they decide whether to make a report to the CPS? What arguments do the professionals at preschool and school use when they talk about what affects them in their decisions on whether to make a report to the CPS? What prevents or promotes such a decision? The data is analysed from a social constructionist perspective and the concept emotional work. The results indicate that the professionals seem to be very insecure and emotionally governed in such situations. It is explained as a result of a lack of knowledge and support at the institutional level for their complex emotional and practical work in making decisions and acting in relation to children affected by exposure to domestic violence (EDV). In addition, their relations with the CPS are an important factor in how they respond to children that are affected by EDV. The study also reveals some good examples and strategies that professionals use to live up to their mandatory duty to report children that are exposed to domestic violence.