Trauma is an emotional response to an intense event that threatens or causes harm. The harm can be physical or emotional, real or perceived, and it can threaten the child or someone close to him or her. Trauma can be the result of a single event, or it can result from exposure to multiple events over time.

Potentially traumatic events may include:

• Abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional)

• Neglect

• Effects of poverty (such as homelessness or not having enough to eat)

• Being separated from loved ones

• Bullying

• Witnessing harm to a loved one or pet (e.g., domestic or community violence)

• Natural disasters or accidents

• Global pandemic

• Death of loved ones

• Social Isolation/Social-Distancing

• Unpredictable parental behavior due to addiction or mental illness

*Adapted from: https://www.childwelfare.gov