Reintegration of institutionalized children and adolescents, victims of domestic violence into school

Abstract

In the contemporary world, children and adolescents are vulnerable to violent acts and are victimized in their own homes. Perceiving this population’s difficulties in been included in the school system, this study aimed to know and describe teachers’ and employees’ perception regarding the reintegration of victimized children and adolescents into public school. This is a qualitative research, with data collected through semi-structured interviews and data analysis based on the content analysis, thematic modality. We identified two thematic groups: victimized children’s and adolescents’ self-esteem; and Differentiated View – need of support. In the first group, the low self-esteem was evidenced by teachers and employees as explicative factor for shyness or aggressiveness of children and adolescents at school. In the second one, the need of specialized people to support those involved with domestic violence was highlighted. We must support employees and teachers in the search of strategies and activities to deal with the violence issue in the life of these children and adolescents. This way, we will be able to support actions directed to the integral assistance of children and adolescents victimized and included in the school system.

Key words: Domestic violence; Child; Adolescent; School health; Institutionalization.