Professionals' views and experiences regarding violence towards children with special needs: A qualitative study

The aim of this qualitative study is to reveal professionals' views and experiences regarding the phenomenon of violence against children with special needs. Conducted in a descriptive phenomenological design, the study is based on in-depth individual interviews with 61 professionals (13 lawyers, 12 physicians, 14 nurses, 13 teachers, and 9 social workers) working in Antalya, selected through criterion sampling. The data were collected face-to-face, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed through inductive thematic analysis using MAXQDA 2020. The findings were organized under four main themes: (1) Silent Risks and Blind Spots (family caregiving fatigue, children's vulnerability, social indifference, exclusion and marginalization, invisibility of children with special needs in the justice system, inadequacy of physical conditions, deficiencies in screening and treatment processes, and shortcomings in the education system); (2) Children's Multi-layered Experiences of Violence (emotional/psychological, physical, neglect, sexual, peer bullying, and economic exploitation; consequences and overlooked victimizations); (3) The Professional's Protective Role and Ethical Responsibility (love, patience, and professional dedication; struggle to protect amid lack of training and awareness; secondary traumatization of professionals; sensitivity to violence and protective empathy); (4) Transforming Violence: Prevention and Intervention Perspectives (intervention approaches aimed at strengthening family resilience; development of family guidance and information services; enhancing social awareness and integration; strengthening state support mechanisms and legal protection systems). The results indicate the necessity of strengthening comprehensive service–training packages, inter-institutional coordination, accessible and supervised services, respite and home care programs, child-friendly justice processes, and early reporting–intervention protocols. Keywords: Children with special needs; child protection; violence; professionals' perspectives; qualitative research.