Abstract
School violence is a growing concern globally. Despite various educational policies and frameworks developed to prevent school violence in South Africa, the system continues to fail teachers. Due to violence, schools are no longer safe places for teachers and learners. In South Africa, teachers are regularly exposed to physical violence and verbal attacks by learners. This qualitative study aimed to understand the lived experience of teachers who had experienced violence against them by learners. This study aimed to investigate the effects of violence on the wellbeing of teachers and strategies to support the victims. This qualitative study was conducted in one district in the Gauteng Province in South Africa and was underpinned by the National School Safety Framework as a theoretical lens. The findings revealed that teachers are experiencing social, emotional and psychological trauma. Many teachers cannot perform their duties fruitfully and are constantly anxious to go to school. The study recommends that the department employ stricter measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all its teachers. All stakeholders, including community forums, parents, police services and social development and support services, must collaborate to ensure safe schools in South Africa.