Trauma Across the Lifespan of Mass Violence Survivors & Impacted Communities

February 22, 2024

This 9th Virtual National Town Hall on Mass Violence was hosted by the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center and the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime.

Presentation Slides (pdf)

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Resources (pdf)

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Key Takeaways

Alyssa Rheingold, Ph.D.

There is no “one way” or even “right way” to respond to trauma. Some may be more likely to struggle and have a greater risk of problems than others. The response to a traumatic event is unique and complex and many factors influence how individuals and communities heal when impacted by mass violence. It is a life journey that evolves over time. For many people and communities, this can last many years.

Rochelle Hanson, Ph.D.

The reactions to a mass violence incident are similar across the lifespan, but HOW these reactions are expressed varies across age and developmental period. The response and reactions of caregivers will be especially impactful for younger children, but supportive caregivers are still important for teens and young adults. Most individuals will recover with time; however, feelings of grief and loss can persist. Be sure to learn about the cultural background of the child, family, and community, as this will influence response and recovery.

Angela Moreland, Ph.D.

The impact of mass violence does not end – it lasts from early response to long-term recovery. While victims’ needs may change over time, it is important to assess ongoing needs and address different stages of recovery. When other mass violence incidents occur across the country, victims are often faced with trauma cues and may experience reactions that are like those experienced following their own mass violence experience. Providing information and ways to cope with these trauma cues are critical to long-term resilience and recovery.

What is Trauma?

“Individual trauma is an event or circumstance resulting in: physical harm, emotional harm, and/or life-threatening harm that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s mental health, physical health, emotional health, social well-being and/or spiritual well-being.” (SAMHSA, 2022)

“Trauma does not occur in a vacuum. Individual trauma occurs in the context of community, whether the community is defined geographically as in neighborhoods; virtually as in a shared identity, ethnicity, or experience; or organizationally, as in a place of work, learning, or worship. How a community responds to individual trauma sets the foundation for the impact of the traumatic event, experience, and effect.” (SAMHSA, 2014 p.17)

SAMHSA (2022). https://www.samhsa.gov/trauma-violence
SAMHSA (2014, July). SAMHSA's Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach (pdf)