Types of Trauma?
What is physical abuse?
Physical abuse is a physical injury caused by a parent or caretaker.
Can experiencing trauma make it hard to trust people?
It can make it hard to trust people for some kids.
What is fight, flight, or freeze?
It is the survival mode our brain goes into when we are faced with danger. When we experience trauma we go into survival mode more often.
What kinds of worries do kids have who have experienced trauma? What do they think about?
They might worry about how they feel, they might worry about their families and the people they love, they might worry about what others might think of them, they might worry about it happening again.
What makes it hard for kids to tell others when they have experienced something scary?
They might be scared, embarrassed, worried, or afraid they will get in trouble. Sometimes the person doing the abuse threatens them and tells them that they will hard people they love if they tell. Sometimes kids might feel like it is their fault.
What is sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse is when a child or teenager is touched in their private area(s) by someone else against their will.
When kids have experienced trauma, do they ever get stomach aches, headaches, or their heart beats fast?
Yes, sometimes kids might experience any or all of these symptoms when they have experienced trauma.
What is an example of trauma?
a car accident, a house fire, not having enough food, moving to a new school, moving to a new house, parents using drugs or alcohol...
What are some common things kids do after they have experienced trauma?
- Sometimes kids feel sad, have trouble sleeping, have nightmares, have trouble concentrating, feel angry, harm others.
If an adult or someone older than you asks you to keep a secret, what can you do?
You can tell an adult you trust like a parent or teacher and ask them to help you.
What is neglect?
Neglect is when an adult does not do what is needed to take care of a child. This means not giving enough food, shelter, attention, medical care, education or supervision.
Can you name 1 emotion a child might feel after experiencing abuse from an adult?
Sad, angry, worried, guilty, ashamed, embarrassed
Is most abuse done to a child by someone who is a stranger or by someone that they know?
Most abuse is done to a child by someone they know.
True or False: It is the child's fault if his or her parents fight.
No, it is not the fault of a child if his or her parents fight. Parents are responsible for the things that they argue and fight about.
If I experience an unsafe or unwanted touch, who can I ask for help?
Let's identify some adults you trust together.
What is emotional abuse?
Emotional abuse is when adults who are taking care of kids judge, threaten, put down or reject kids , withholding love so they feel worthless.
True or False: When a child experiences a trauma or confusing event, they might have problems sleeping or have nightmares.
True
Who abuses children?
It can be a parent, an older sibling, a teacher, a youth leader, a grandparent, an aunt or uncle or anyone.
What happens to other kids when they have seen something confusing or experienced abuse or other trauma?
Kids are quite strong and in therapy they can learn new skills that help them to have a great future.
If I experience an unsafe touch, what can I do?
No! Go! Tell!
What are some other types of trauma?
- Starting a new school
-Having a parent who drinks a lot or uses drugs
-Earthquakes or hurricanes
-Seeing adults fighting or yelling
-Having a death in your family
- Moving to a new house
Can certain experiences in my life remind me of something that happened to me in my past?
Yes, sometimes we are reminded of past experiences by something in the present. For example, if my dad hit me with a bat, if I see a bat while playing a game, I might remember when my dad hit me.
Who is responsible for the scary or violent things kids witness?
The adult or older person with more power in the situation is responsible for the behavior, not the child.
Do all kids react in the same way when something traumatic happens?
No, each kid can react in different ways.
Why is it important to share with and adult you trust when you experience something unsafe or confusing?
An adult you trust can help you to get help and help keep you safe.