Transgenerational Trauma and Child Abuse

Trauma passes from one generation to the next through genetics and experiences, and can result in neurological and physiological changes. In child abuse cases, these changes not only impact how a child experiences their victimization, but also how a non-offending parent with a personal history of trauma responds to his/her child when they disclose maltreatment.

This session will address how trauma can be transmitted to future generations, and will identify how these parental dynamics may present in child abuse investigations. Tips for parental interactions will be discussed.