The silence in the classrooms: how teacher abuses come to light

Abstract

This research analyzes sexual abuse within educational environments committed by teaching staff in Spain, with the aim of identifying patterns, institutional factors, and the current role of the media in this issue. The methodology is based on the qualitative analysis of various news reports in Spain. Specifically, it focuses on two cases from the cities of Madrid and Málaga; however, it also includes a more in-depth investigation of other relevant cases. It examines news stories that have recently gained attention, as well as others that have become known through social media and, finally, a specific case of how this issue is portrayed in media. The results show the identification of common patterns, the lack of prevention and safety within educational institutions, and the visibility that mass media and social media give to this issue, leading to an increasing number of reported, cases and more victims recognizing and identifying this behaviour. In conclusion, we have to highlight the need to review and strengthen prevention policies in educational institutions, as well as to improve intervention protocols. Furthermore, we conclude that the media can currently play an important role in bringing these cases to light.