Family aggression and domestic abuse cause psychotic trauma to female students: insights from Pakistani schools and community

Purpose The purpose of this study to explore the teacher’s perception about family aggression and domestic abuse that can cause students psychotic trauma. Also, this article will further highlight the mitigating strategies for teachers to overcome those challenges which they faced while dealing with such female students. Design/methodology/approach In this exploratory study, a qualitative data collection tool semi-structured interviews were used. This research interviews were conducted from public school teachers of Pakistan. For data analysis thematic analysis approach was used to answer the targeted research questions. Findings The findings of the study reveal that the family aggression and domestic abuse have severe negative effect on female students’ mental health which cause them trauma and also negatively impact of their educational progress and overall growth. Also, several challenges have been identified from the findings such as difficulty in identification of such female students, lack of support and counselling skills and social constraints. Similarly, this study also suggests some interventional and mitigating strategies to overcome these challenges faced by teachers such as, awareness sessions for parents and society, teachers training for such skills, including such contents in curriculum etc. Practical implications The results of the current study are beneficial for the teacher and school administration to handle such female students they are affected due to abuse and domestic violence and improve their mental well-being and growth. Originality/value This is a unique study because there is very limited research done in the context of Pakistan which addresses this burning social issue, particularly adding the voices of teacher’s about identifying and dealing such female students they are victim of family aggression and domestic abuse.