5-1 Discussion: Trauma
Childhood trauma is the experience of an emotionally traumatic or stressful occurrence that can
leave an individual with long-term suffering, both mentally and physically. Psychological trauma does
not always involve physical trauma or injuries and is often the result of witnessing a traumatic, stressful
event. A particularly damaging traumatic event that a child may experience is sexual abuse. Sexual abuse
or molestation of a child is child abuse in which the child is exploited for sexual stimulation. With the
possibility of occurring in a variety of different settings such as home, school, etc., this form of abuse can
include indecent exposure, child pornography, child grooming, or engaging in sexual activities with a
child.
Sexual abuse in childhood has several devastating effects that can have an impact on both
internalized and externalized behavioral issues. "A significant number of sexually abused children are
likely to experience other forms of maltreatment that can seriously affect their emotion regulation
abilities and impede on their development" (Hébert, Martine & Langevin, Rachel & Oussaïd, Essaïd,
