Around 42% of Australians experience a traumatic event before the age of 18 – and it affects their health many years later.
Our studyReleased today, it analyzed data from 15,893 Australians collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics between 2020 and 2022.
The findings reveal a stark truth: two in five Australians – about 8.25 million people – experienced at the very least one traumatic event before the age of 18.
From witnessing domestic violence to experiencing sexual assault or the death of a loved one, these events often occur surprisingly early in life and leave lasting marks on mental and physical health.
That means recognizing — and responding to — childhood trauma is an urgent public health issue that may save lives.
What counts as trauma?
for that National Study of Mental Health and Wellnessthe Australian Bureau of Statistics chosen a random, representative sample of Australians across the country to take part in interviews.
Participants answered questions on 28 varieties of traumatic experiences and after they first occurred.
These include physical or sexual assault, life-threatening accidents, natural disasters, exposure to war and conflict, domestic violence, or the unexpected death of a loved one.
The results were coming. Among participants, probably the most common varieties of traumatic events before age 18 were:
- Unexpected death of a loved one (27%)
- Witnessing domestic violence (21%)
- Experiencing sexual abuse (21%).
Half of those with childhood trauma had experienced multiple types, with a median age of first exposure to any traumatic event of just 9.5 years.
Some of probably the most damaging events – comparable to being severely beaten by a parent or witnessing domestic violence – began on average at just 6-7 years of age.
Ripple Effects in Adult Life
Anyone who experiences a traumatic event in childhood is not going to experience negative health effects. But it increases your risk.
We have found strong links between childhood trauma and a big selection of mental health conditions.
People who experienced traumatic events in childhood had significantly higher odds of all mental health and substance use disorders, in addition to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, in comparison with those that never experienced trauma.
But its impact was not limited to mental health. Childhood trauma was also related to increased odds of significant physical conditions later in life, including asthma, arthritis, cancer and kidney disease.
However, the cross-sectional design signifies that we cannot say that trauma causes these health outcomes—only that they’re strongly associated.
We also compared outcomes for individuals who experienced trauma in childhood versus adolescence.
Although trauma is harmful at any age, our study found that earlier exposure is commonly more harmful. For example, individuals who experienced trauma as children have higher odds than those whose trauma only occurred in adolescence.
- Suicidal thoughts and attempts
- Panic Disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder
- Persistent depression.
How trauma affects the mind and body
Traumatic events could cause significant changes within the body. Shock is affected Brain, hormones, immune system, and even gut health.
When stress response systems are briefly activated, they assist the body reply to danger (sometimes often known as the “fight, flight, or freeze” response).
But with repeated or chronic exposure to trauma, stress hormones stay high for too long, causing harmful “wear and tear”. On the body
Ongoing stress can result in health problems including Inflammation, a weakened immune system, insulin resistance, and increased risk of conditions comparable to diabetes and heart disease.
Early experiences of trauma can have a particularly harmful effect Because the body and mind are developing rapidly and are particularly sensitive to the environment.
Children who’ve been through trauma might also struggle to form Healthy relationships And Coping skillswhich may make life difficult as you grow old.
An issue we cannot ignore
Our data has some limitations. Because this study relied on people remembering and reporting childhood trauma, there’s a possibility that that is the case Prejudice or misuse.
And while our sample was nationally representative, it excluded people experiencing homelessness or living in institutions, who’re more likely to have even higher rates of trauma.
Still, the dimensions and magnitude of the issue is obvious.
Our findings construct on historical studies of Australian child maltreatment, which found 62% Australians Experienced childhood abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. High levels of emotional abuse and neglect—which we didn’t measure—could explain the study's high statistics.
Taken together, the studies show that childhood trauma will not be unusual, and its effects ripple out over many years.
Yet trauma often goes unacknowledged
Raising awareness is crucial to assist prevent suicide. Reduce economic costsand improve the lives of Millions of Australians.
Hundreds of organizations across the country do necessary work to nurture and protect children from the harmful effects of exposure to trauma. But the dimensions of the issue means more must be done.
We should embed permanently Trauma-informed care In systems serving children and adults, from schools and hospitals to mental health services and the justice system.
This means recognizing the signs of trauma, responding empathetically, and avoiding ways in which can retraumatize.
For example, traumatized children may act out or withdraw in school. Harsh punishment, comparable to suspension or expulsion, reinforces feelings of shame and isolation and Risks recover them. It can Make these children more likely To drop out of college, have difficulty finding work, experience difficulties in relationships and become involved within the justice system.
Ensuring teachers and schools tools It is significant to signal support when behaviors indicate trauma and to administer these behaviors without retrieving students. Responding with care and support can change a toddler's life.
If there's one takeaway from this research, it's this: Childhood trauma is a significant public health problem — and addressing it may save lives.