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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
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Epidemiological Studies
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Models for Prevention and Early Intervention
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Development and Evaluation of Assessment Tools
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Development and Evaluation of Treatment Interventions
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Prevention of Intergenerational Consequences of Trauma
Support Increased Training Regarding Women, Trauma, and Abuse
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Mental Health Professionals/Medical Personnel
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School Personnel (e.g., teachers and administrators)
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Law Enforcement/Juvenile Justice Personnel
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Advocates
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Children, Parents/Guardians, and Caregivers
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Community Agencies
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Native/Indigenous and Rural Professionals
Support Increased Services for Female Survivors and their
Families
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Prevention and Early Intervention Programs
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Systematic Trauma Screening
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Integrative Systems of Care
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Primary Care Collaborations
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School-based Programs
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Community Outreach
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Parent-Child Interventions
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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.
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