The National Child Traumatic Stress Network [web resource]

Complex Trauma

Complex trauma describes both children’s exposure to multiple traumatic events—often of an invasive, interpersonal nature—and the wide-ranging, long-term effects of this exposure.

Disasters

Natural disasters include hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, wildfires, tsunamis, and floods, as well as extreme weather events such as blizzards, droughts, extreme heat, and wind storms.

Domestic Violence

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), also referred to as domestic violence, occurs when an individual purposely causes harm or threatens the risk of harm to any past or current partner or spouse.

Early Childhood Trauma

Early childhood trauma generally refers to the traumatic experiences that occur to children aged 0-6.

Medical Trauma

Pediatric medical traumatic stress refers to a set of psychological and physiological responses of children and their families to single or multiple medical events.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse occurs when a parent or caregiver commits an act that results in physical injury to a child or adolescent.

Refugee Trauma

Many refugees, especially children, have experienced trauma related to war or persecution that may affect their mental and physical health long after the events have occurred.

Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is any interaction between a child and an adult (or another child) in which the child is used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or an observer.

Terrorism and Violence

Families and children may be profoundly affected by mass violence, acts of terrorism, or community trauma in the form of shootings, bombings, or other types of attacks.

Traumatic Grief

While many children adjust well after a death, other children have ongoing difficulties that interfere with everyday life and make it difficult to recall positive memories of their loved ones.

Populations at Risk

Some groups of children and families are disproportionately represented among those experiencing trauma. This means that they may be exposed to trauma at particularly high rates or be at increased risk for repeated victimization. For some populations, co-occurring issues and unique adversities can complicate recovery from trauma. Others may face significant challenges related to access to services or require services that are specially adapted for their needs.

Learn more about trauma and:

Substance Abuse

There is a strong connection between traumatic stress and substance abuse that has implications for children and families.

Economic Stress

Whether living in urban, suburban, or rural settings, individuals face the reality of economic downturns.

Military and Veteran Families

Children of military and veteran families experience unique challenges related to military life and culture.

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Research indicates that youth living with IDD experience exposure to trauma at a higher rate than their non-disabled peers.

Homeless Youth

As many as 2.5 million youth per year experience homelessness.

LGBTQ Youth

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) youth experience trauma at higher rates than their straight peers.

A screening can help you determine if you or someone you care about should contact a mental health professional. Care Coordinators can arrange a free 30-minute Care Consultation so you can explore options with an expert. Call or email our Care Coordinators at 650.688.3625 or careteam@chconline.org to set up an initial Consultation appointment.