Abstract
M.A. (Community Development)
Domestic violence (hereafter ‘DV’), being a life stressor that approximately half of the children in South African are exposed to, is a realistic problem for both the victims of DV but also to the teachers who work with these learners on a daily basis. Hence, this study aims to explore how teachers respond to learners who disclose experiencing or being exposed to DV. Non-probability sampling was applied to recruit seven participants, who all at the time of the interview were teaching at a private primary school in Johannesburg. The one-on-one semi-structured and in-depth interviews provided the researcher with adequate responses to answer the research question. The data analysis and conclusion were based on the family violence perspective as a theoretical lens. The teachers who participated in this study are capable of displaying basic responses when a learner discloses experiencing or being exposed to DV. Although the participants report that they do not feel adequate in doing so, all the cases yielded initial responses that were in the best interests of the learners. All except one teacher who took the responsibility of reporting the disclosures to the school’s leadership immediately. These leadership structures provided support and guidance which aimed to address the situation from a holistic, family-oriented approach. Although not all the cases were reported to South African Police Services, the teachers, along with the leadership, reached out to social services. Unfortunately, two cases involved the parents abruptly and without notice removing the learners from the school, which only placed the learners further at risk. In this study, a supportive leadership proved to be beneficial to the learner and the lack of formal social support services proved to place the learner at greater risk of continuing to be exposed or experiencing DV. Thus, as there is a high probability that a teacher can be the first responder to a learner’s disclosure, it is vital for them to have adequate knowledge and skills on how to report and respond to these disclosures.