Client Violence Against Educational Workers: A Systematic Review
Client-initiated workplace violence in educational settings is a global issue affecting both teaching and non-teaching employees, such as instructional assistants, counselors, and administrators, among other school workers. Although studies on violence in educational settings have primarily focused on students, there has been growing interest in examining violence against teachers and, more recently, against teaching assistants and other educational professionals. This systematic review aims to analyze studies from diverse educational settings to examine the characteristics, causes, effects, and coping strategies associated with violence perpetrated by students, parents, or guardians, with the goal of informing and advancing prevention strategies. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing studies across various educational environments to examine the characteristics, causes, effects, and coping strategies of violence perpetrated by students, parents, or guardians. This review revealed a significant prevalence of physical, psychological, and verbal assaults. However, most studies originated from Anglo-Saxon contexts, limiting their generalizability to diverse cultural and educational settings. The lack of research in other languages and in underrepresented regions highlights critical gaps in understanding this issue globally. The revision conclude that workplace violence in educational settings demands urgent and comprehensive responses involving all stakeholders. Implementing targeted prevention strategies and fostering a culture of respect are essential to ensure safe and healthy learning environments.