Building Resiliency After Trauma

Impact Of Trauma on Youth

It is estimated that 25% of children have experienced a traumatic event by the age of 16 and 6% have experienced one in the last 6 months.
25% of all girls and 10 to 12% of boys have experienced sexual abuse or assault by age 18.
Prevalence is higher for children in juvenile justice settings or involved in the child welfare system.
Chronic exposure to severe stress can negatively affect children’s brain development.
The experience of childhood traumatic events has been linked to a greater risk of psychological, social and health problems, including depression, substance abuse, and poorer health-related quality of life.

To find out more information about the impact of traumatic life experiences on children and adolescents, visit the following websites:


	Impact Of Trauma on Youth It is estimated that 25% of children have experienced a traumatic event by the age of 16 and 6% have experienced one in the last 6 months. 25% of all girls and 10 to 12% of boys have experienced sexual abuse or assault by age 18. Prevalence is higher for children in juvenile justice settings or involved in the child welfare system. Chronic exposure to severe stress can negatively affect children’s brain development. The experience of childhood traumatic events has been linked to a greater risk of psychological, social and health problems, including depression, substance abuse, and poorer health-related quality of life. To find out more information about the impact of traumatic life experiences on children and adolescents, visit the following websites: Review of Prevalence Studies CDC Adverse Childhood Experiences Study Impact of Child Abuse Impact of Abuse and Neglect Presentation to the President’s Mental Health Commission by Dr. Pynoos
Funding for this project was made possible in part by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA grant number 5U79SM057485‐04. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.