Childhood trauma is unfortunately a common experience for many individuals, both in the United States and Canada. In the United States, nearly 1 in 4 children have experienced some form of child maltreatment, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. About one in four children have also experienced at least one adverse

Childhood trauma refers to any experience that is emotionally painful or distressing and occurs before the age of 18. This can include physical or sexual abuse, neglect, exposure to violence or natural disasters, or the death of a parent or loved one. Childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on a person’s mental and physical health, relationships, and ability to function in daily life.

In Canada, approximately 32% of Canadians aged 15 and older reported experiencing some form of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Nearly 1 in 5 Canadian children live in poverty, which can increase the risk of exposure to other adverse experiences, such as neglect, food insecurity, and housing instability. Furthermore, approximately 70% of domestic violence incidents in Canada involve children who witness the violence.

In addition to child abuse, many children in Canada experience other adverse family circumstances that can have significant impacts on their development and wellbeing. According to a report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, nearly 1 in 5 Canadian children live in poverty, which can increase the risk of exposure to other adverse experiences, such as neglect, food insecurity, and housing instability. Furthermore, a study conducted by the Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative found that approximately 70% of domestic violence incidents in Canada involve children who witness the violence. These experiences can have significant impacts on children’s mental and physical health, as well as their social and academic functioning. It’s important to note that these statistics are based on reported experiences, and many cases of childhood trauma go unreported. It’s also important to recognize that childhood trauma can have different impacts depending on the individual’s experience and their coping mechanisms.

It’s difficult to say definitively whether the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in childhood trauma statistics. However, the pandemic has certainly created a range of new stressors and challenges that may be contributing to increased rates of childhood trauma. For example, the pandemic has led to increased rates of domestic violence and child abuse in some areas. With families spending more time at home together and facing financial stress and uncertainty, there may be increased tension and conflict that can spill over into abusive behavior. Additionally, with schools closed or operating virtually, many children may be more isolated and have fewer opportunities to report abuse or seek help. The pandemic has also led to increased rates of mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, which can impact both parents and children. These mental health challenges can contribute to increased stress, conflict, and trauma within families.

It’s important to note that the full impact of the pandemic on childhood trauma statistics may not be known for some time, as many cases may go unreported or take time to surface. However, it’s clear that the pandemic has created a challenging and stressful environment for many families, which can increase the risk of childhood trauma.

The effects of childhood trauma can vary depending on the severity and duration of the trauma, as well as the individual’s resilience and support system. Some common effects of childhood trauma include:

1. Emotional dysregulation: Childhood trauma can disrupt the development of emotional regulation skills, leading to difficulty in managing emotions such as anger, sadness, or anxiety. This can result in mood swings, emotional outbursts, and difficulty coping with stress.
2. Relationship difficulties: Childhood trauma can make it challenging to form healthy relationships with others. Individuals who have experienced trauma may struggle with trust, intimacy, and communication, which can lead to social isolation and difficulties with romantic relationships, friendships, and family relationships.
3. Physical health problems: Childhood trauma can increase the risk of developing physical health problems such as heart disease, obesity, and chronic pain. This is because trauma can activate the body’s stress response system, leading to chronic inflammation and changes in hormone levels.
4. Mental health problems: Childhood trauma is a significant risk factor for developing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse. These conditions can be debilitating and can impact a person’s ability to function in daily life.
5. Self-esteem issues: Childhood trauma can negatively impact self-esteem and self-worth, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. This can make it challenging to pursue goals and feel confident in one’s abilities.

Examples of how childhood trauma can impact adulthood:

1. A person who experienced physical abuse as a child may struggle with managing anger and may be prone to violent outbursts or aggression in adulthood.
2. A person who experienced neglect or emotional abuse as a child may have difficulty forming healthy relationships and may struggle with feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy.
3. A person who experienced sexual abuse as a child may have difficulty with intimacy and may struggle with symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks or intrusive thoughts.
4. A person who experienced the death of a parent or loved one as a child may have difficulty with attachment and may struggle with feelings of abandonment or loss throughout their life.

The examples above talk about the main factors that initiate childhood trauma, however divorce also can impact a child into adulthood, examples of this are below:

Fear of abandonment: Individuals who experienced childhood trauma such as neglect, loss, or abandonment may struggle with fear of abandonment during the divorce process. This can manifest as clinginess, difficulty letting go, or fear of being alone. These fears may make it challenging to navigate the emotional and practical aspects of divorce, such as negotiating child custody or dividing assets.

Difficulty trusting others: Childhood trauma such as physical or emotional abuse can lead to difficulty trusting others. This can make it challenging to negotiate with a spouse or seek the help of an attorney or mediator. Individuals who have experienced trauma may struggle to open up to others or may be prone to feeling attacked or criticized during discussions.

Emotional dysregulation: Childhood trauma can disrupt the development of emotional regulation skills, leading to difficulty in managing emotions such as anger, sadness, or anxiety. During the divorce process, individuals who have experienced childhood trauma may struggle with intense emotions, such as anger at their ex-spouse, sadness about the end of the relationship, or anxiety about the future. These emotions can make it challenging to negotiate with a spouse or make sound decisions during the divorce process.

Difficulty with co-parenting: Childhood trauma can make it challenging to form healthy relationships with others, which can impact co-parenting after a divorce. Individuals who have experienced trauma may struggle to trust their ex-spouse to make decisions about their children or may struggle to communicate effectively about parenting. This can lead to conflict and stress for both parents and children.

Physical health problems: Childhood trauma can increase the risk of developing physical health probl

Despite the high prevalence of childhood trauma in both the United States and Canada, it’s important to remember that healing and recovery are possible with the right support and treatment. If you or someone you know has experienced childhood trauma, seeking professional support from a qualified mental health professional can be an important step towards healing and building resilience. It’s also important to note that not everyone who experiences childhood trauma will develop these effects, and that individuals who have experienced trauma can also develop resilience and heal from their experiences. Seeking therapy and other forms of support can be an important part of the healing process.

References:

American Psychological Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., Koss, M. P., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-3797(98)00017-8

National Child Traumatic Stress Network.