The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, a US-based coalition of charities, researchers and parents, describes a traumatic experience is a “frightening, dangerous, or violent event that poses a threat to a child's life or wellbeing”.
Witnessing a traumatic event that threatens life or physical security of a loved one can also be traumatic. This is particularly important for young children as their sense of safety depends on the perceived safety of their attachment figures.
Danger can come from outside of the family – such as a natural disaster, accident, or violent incident – or from within the family, such as domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse, or the unexpected death of a loved one.
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