05/05/2026
Traumatic events and experiences can take many forms and understanding the impact of them can help family better support young people and respond with care and compassion.
1ļøā£ Acute/Single Incident trauma can be experienced after a single, overwhelming traumatic event such as a car accident. Even one experience can have a lasting impact on how a young person thinks, feels, or responds to the world around them.
2ļøā£Complex trauma can develop when a young person is exposed to stressful and traumatic experiences over a long period of time. These experiences can build up and affect their sense of safety, relationships, and wellbeing.
3ļøā£Vicarious trauma can occur when someone is deeply affected by witnessing or hearing about distressing experiences happening to others, especially those they know, care about, or feel connected to.
4ļøā£Intergenerational trauma refers to trauma that can be passed down through families or communities across generations, often linked to histories of injustice, displacement, colonisation or cultural loss.
Every young personās experience of trauma is different. Taking time to listen and respond with understanding can help them feel supported and less alone. š
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