Traumatic experiences can cause strong emotions and physical reactions that last long after the event.
Children may feel terror, helplessness, or fear.
Physiological reactions such as heart pounding, vomiting, or loss of bowel or bladder control can happen.
Children who experienced not being able to protect themselves or not being protected by others may also feel overwhelmed by the intensity of physical and emotional responses.
If a trauma response is triggered, the child or youth’s physical and emotional responses might kick in, even if there is no immediate danger. This may lead to the child or youth running away or going missing.
