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.

Keywords:

• Domestic violence
• pre/school
• mandatory report
• child protective services
• emotional work