Impact of School’s Violence on Educational Career of Female Students with Hearing Impairment in Federal College of Education Pankshin, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Students in schools often experience physical violence such as; teasing, stigmatization, psychological, verbal abuse and sexual harassment, including rape. Fear of violence attack prevents many girls with hearing impairment from attending social gathering due to their communication and language problems. This study examined the impact of school’s violence on educational career of female students with hearing impairment in federal college of education Pankshin, plateau, Nigeria. The main objectives of the research are to find out the types of violence experienced by female students with hearing impairment studying in Federal College of education Pankshin and examine the impact of violence on education of female students with hearing impairment after experiencing the trauma of violence. The following research questions were also formulated to guide the study. What types of violence commonly experienced by girls with hearing impairment studying in FCE Pankshin? To what extent has violence affected academic achievement of girls with hearing impairment in FCE Pankshin. Qualitative design was used to conduct the study. The population of the study consisted of 21 female students with hearing impairment in special education department Federal College of Education Pankshin, Plateau State Nigeria. A sample of eight (8) females with hearing impairment was randomly selected from the study. All the eight girls in the department were interviewed to find out if they have ever been a victim of violence. The responses of the students were grouped into four themes. Namely; physical, psychological, sexual and verbal abuse. The results showed that sexual abuse at school affects students with hearing impairment mental health and self-esteem. It leads to drop-out from school. The study researcher concluded that all types of violence have negative effects on the overall personality and in particular academic performance of victim. It was recommended that special education teachers should collaborate with the counsellors to maintain a supportive school environment for students hearing impairment through enlightenment campaign of the need to effectively implement the objectives of inclusive education in the college. Female students, especially those with any form of disabilities must be empowered to speak against such bizarre actions.