Exposure to an actual or threatened a) Death b) Serious injury c) Sexual Violation in one of the following ways
1) Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s)
2) Witnessing, in person, the traumatic event(s) as they occurred to others
3) learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend; death, violent or accidental injury
4) experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(s).
“an emotional response to a terrible event or threat, for example an accident, sexual violence, natural disaster, death or serious injury, that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope.”
One sudden, unexpected incident
• More than one traumatic incident
• Occurs within a short space of time
For example a person has been in a car accident and then is a victim of crime shortly thereafter
• Complex trauma is an umbrella term encompassing prolonged and repeated harmful events that typically occur in the interpersonal sphere.
• Occurs over a long period where the perpetrator is known to the victim or under control his/her control
For example a person in a domestic violence relationship
• Exposure to ongoing trauma
• Living in constant threat of danger and violence
For example living in a gang controlled area or war zone