An analysis of violence towards educators in the selected high schools : a case study of South African Police Service

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse violence towards educators in the selected high schools in the Mankweng policing area. This was done by identifying factors contributing to school violence, assessing consequences of violence on victims of violence and determining measures that can be applied to effectively prevent, combat and investigate this scourge. This qualitative study applied the explanatory research design to recruit participants using non-probability sampling techniques, specifically purposive and snowball sampling respectively. Eighteen (18) participants were selected for this study, comprising of Six (06) educators from each of the Three (03) selected high schools of Mankweng policing area. Data were collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews and documentary studies. Based on the transcribed data, themes were extracted and analysed using inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA). This study established that there are factors that contribute to the occurrence of school violence; victims are affected by school violence (I.e. Be it social, psychological and physical); and that there are measures that may reduce the occurrence of these violence. Findings of the research indicate that factors such as demographic location, substance abuse, peer pressure, gang groups are the causes of violence, leading to victims facing consequences such as depression, anxiety attacks and early retirement. For recommendations, this study provides that the community get involved in reducing school violence, the DBE should provide pro-active and re-active measures to combat violence, enforce a strong collaboration between stakeholders and enforce legislative framework implemented about workplace safety.