Facts About Women and Trauma

Facts About Trauma

Traumatic events include physical, psychological, and sexual abuse; terrorism and war; domestic violence; witnessing violence against others; and accidents and natural disasters. They can result in serious stress and detrimental consequences for survivors and their families.

Approximately one half (50%) of all individuals will be exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.

Although the majority of individuals will be able to absorb the trauma over time, many survivors will experience long-lasting problems.

Approximately 8% of survivors will develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Many survivors currently living with PTSD experience symptoms that are both chronic and severe. These include: nightmares, insomnia, somatic disturbances, difficulty with intimate relationships, fear, anxiety, anger, shame, aggression, suicidal behaviors, loss of trust, and isolation.

Psychological disorders may also occur in conjunction with posttraumatic stress including depression, anxiety, and alcohol/substance abuse problems.

Women At-Risk

Research indicates that women are twice as likely to develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), experience a longer duration of posttraumatic symptoms, and display more sensitivity to stimuli that remind them of the trauma.

Although women are at greater risk for negative consequences following traumatic events, many often hesitate to seek mental health treatment. Survivors often wait years to receive help, while others never receive treatment at all.

Untreated posttraumatic symptoms not only have tremendous mental health implications, but can also lead to adverse effects on physical health. Female survivors may encounter physical symptoms including headaches, gastro-intestinal problems, and sexual dysfunction.

Although the mental and physical symptoms of posttraumatic stress can be quite debilitating, trauma is often undiagnosed by health professionals due to a lack of training, time, and resources.

There are a variety of effective treatment interventions for women who have survived traumatic events, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, group treatment, pharmacotherapy, and psychodynamic interventions.

Policy Recommendations to Assist Female Survivors of Trauma

Support Increased Funding for Research on Women and Trauma

Epidemiological Studies
Models for Prevention and Early Intervention
Development and Evaluation of Assessment Tools
Development and Evaluation of Treatment Interventions
Prevention of Intergenerational Consequences of Trauma

Support Increased Training Regarding Women, Trauma, and Abuse

Mental Health Professionals/Medical Personnel
School Personnel (e.g., teachers and administrators)
Law Enforcement/Juvenile Justice Personnel
Advocates
Children, Parents/Guardians, and Caregivers
Community Agencies
Native/Indigenous and Rural Professionals

Support Increased Services for Female Survivors and their Families

Prevention and Early Intervention Programs
Systematic Trauma Screening
Integrative Systems of Care
Primary Care Collaborations
School-based Programs
Community Outreach
Parent-Child Interventions
Case Management

Please contact Lori Valencia Greene, M.S. or Diane Elmore, Ph.D. in the Public Policy Office of the
American Psychological Association * (202) 336-5931 or (202) 336-6097.