What is Trauma? – Trauma is a term to describe single or multiple distressing events that may have long lasting and harmful effects on a person’s physical and/or emotional well-being. There is a direct correlation between trauma and physical health conditions such as diabetes, COPD, heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure.
Examples of traumatic events experienced include:
- Physical/Emotional abuse
- Natural and human caused disasters (hurricanes, floods, fires, etc.)
- War (combat experience) or civil unrest
- Violence (witnessing or being the victim of domestic assault)
- Sexual abuse or rape
- Childhood neglect or abandonment
Trauma can be experienced by anyone including individuals we serve, colleagues, and family members, and is a near universal experience for individuals using human services. Addressing trauma through OPSWA’s training program is expected to improve the quality and impact of our services, increase safety for all, enhance engagement with the individuals we serve, and reduce employee burnout and turnover.
For more information, please email admin@canswa.ca for more information
