The study is based on a sample of students in grade in all schools of Tokat city in Turkey. Students were subjected to physi- cal A large majority Third, the deleterious consequences of violence must be explained to achieve greater public awareness about victimization in schools. Fourth, the authorities must ensure and reinforce the safety and rights of children by enacting strict laws against violence and abuse.
Key words: School violence, abuse, physical violence, sexual abuse, psychological violence. Introduction The history of humankind has been character- ized by multiple and complex forms of individual and societal violence. Although violence among children and ado- lescents is a serious problem throughout much of the world, the prevalence of various types of violence against children and adolescents remains unclear 2,3 despite data showing that children are victims of crime about twice as frequently than are adults over 25 years of age 4.
Most school violence can be categorized as 1 physical coercion or physi- cal injury, 2 verbal aggression and mental cruelty, or 3 bullying 9. In schools, sexual abuse and violence are inextricably linked to other forms of physical violence Violence and childhood physical and sexual abuse in schools are increasing at an alarming rate worldwide 11 , including in Turkey; however, the current status of child abuse in our country remains unknown.
Contrary to popular belief, school violence is an important problem in many regions of the world, affecting both developing and industrialized countries as well as rural and urban areas Since the s, much research has been conducted in Western countries to in- vestigate childhood physical and sexual abuse. Indeed, much of the world does not have such an advanced reporting system. Both under- reporting and cultural differences may affect the reported rates of child abuse and neglect 3.
Schools should be safe places for children and adolescents. Although schools are secondary so- cialization places, ranking after the home in this regard, violence that starts at home may continue at school 12, Unfortunately, increasing violence among youths is a serious public health problem that must be addressed. Exposure to any kind of vi- olence has detrimental consequences including aca- demic problems, aggressive behavior, and somatic complaints These unfavorable consequences can have both short- and long-term effects.
