Perceptions of Child Abuse Causes and Prevention in Daycare Centers : A Focus on Directors, Teachers, Guardians, and Legal Professionals

This study aims to compare and analyze the perceptions of daycare center directors, teachers, guardians, and lawyers in “P” Metropolitan City regarding the causes and preventive measures of child abuse in childcare settings. To achieve this, Focus Group Interviews (FGI) were conducted with 29 participants, and the data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis method. The analysis identified six primary themes: “The Interpretational Gap Between Discipline and Abuse,” “Excessive Responsibility and Cumulative Burnout,” “The Transparent Window: The Paradox of the Watching Eye,” “Sensitized Perspectives and Heightened Sensitivity to Children's Rights,” “The Fence Built on Trust,” and “Crumbled Bricks: Rebuilding the Foundation.” Participants noted the difficulty in distinguishing between discipline and abuse and the erosion of trust between teachers and parents when reviewing CCTV footage. Structural factors such as high teacher-to-child ratios, low wages, and excessive administrative burdens were identified as significant risk factors for abuse. Additionally, both guardians and teachers emphasized the need for mutual trust, effective communication, improved working conditions, and emotional support programs for educators. Legal professionals highlighted the importance of enhancing the expertise of child abuse government officials, refining legal procedures, and establishing field-oriented counseling and advisory systems. By exploring the perceptions of these diverse stakeholders, this study offers practical implications for developing child abuse prevention policies based on trust and collaboration.