Trauma Facts
What is trauma? Can you give an example?
Trauma is anything that is threatening or seems threatening. This can include a situation where a person feared for their lives, believed they could have been injured, witnessed violence, or tragically lost a loved one. Can you think of any other examples?
What is DV (Domestic Violence)?
Domestic violence is a pattern of one person trying to control another person. This can occur a number of different ways including, but not limited to: Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or economic abuse
How might a child act when DV happens?
A child may have a hard time sleeping, throw tantrums, or cling to their parents. Kids might have a hard time concentrating, do poorly in school, or many more reactions
How should grown ups handle problems?
Grown ups should handle their problems calmly and privately
How do some kids deal with trauma?
Healthy ways are talking about it to people they trust or going to therapy. Sometimes people deal with problems in u healthy ways such as using drugs or alcohol, running away, or avoiding talking about it.
Why does domestic violence happen?
Some people learn to control others from the way they grew up, what they see on TV, or believe they have a right to control the other person. Sometimes using drugs or alcohol can make it worse.
How might a child feel if they've seen DV?
A kid might feel scared, worried, depressed, anxious, or angry
Is it okay for grown ups to argue?
Yes - it is okay for people to have disagreements. It is never okay to hurt another person, threaten to hurt them, make them think they'll get hurt. It is also not okay to call someone names, or use violence around them.
Why do some parents not like to talk about trauma?
Lots of reasons! They might not believe their child, or feel guilty for letting something so scary happen to their child. Can you think of any other reasons?
Is Domestic Violence common?
Unfortunately, yes, it is. An average of 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience physical violence by their partner.
What might a kid think if they've witnessed DV?
They might think it's their responsibility to protect their parent. They might think it's their own fault it happened. They might think they are the ones that can fix the situation.
What would a child worry about if their parents fight a lot?
They might worry if someone is going to get hurt. They might worry it's their fault. They might worry about what will happen next time. Any other worries you can think of?
What will we do in therapy?
We are going to learn about coping skills, feelings, and thoughts! We will also write about what you've been through and share with your caregiver.
Whose fault is it when grown ups fight?
Never the kid's fault! It is up to grown ups keep kids safe.
Can it be hard to speak up about DV?
A lot of times, yes! Some people say it shouldn't be talked about, but it is important that everyone is safe! If you don't feel safe, you should tell someone you trust.
What are good ways to express your emotion?
Talking it out with someone you trust, writing it down, using art. Any other ways?