Violence, Trauma and Children

Black, white, red, tan or brown… those who live a life of violence, hurt, crime, addiction, relationship issues, etc. typically have one thing in common: Childhood trauma

I have been thinking about this project I came across in Chattanooga. It is in an area that is known for violence, increased arrests, drug sales, etc.

The project is called FACE to FACE and it shares thoughts of children in East Chattanooga by way of art.

It is always interesting to me that some of the most talented youth live in some of the most crime ridden areas of America. The arts is their escape from childhood pain experienced at home, an escape from the violence they witness on the street – art is the safe place for some.

The painted faces on the red, yellow and blue backdrop are self-portraits of the youth involved in the project. Some of the quotes written are their thoughts on violence.

One of the thoughts put into words:

“I live in East Chattanooga and I am affected by the poor housing. The lack of education and the lack of recreational activities for our youth. Also, there is a lot of drugs and gang violence. But on the real, East Chattanooga is rich with deep history and people.”

The brick archway was once the entrance to Delanie Park and later the Highway 58 Drive-In Movie Theater. Now, it is an overgrown field, but perhaps an open field to more positive growth in the city.

This mural was put together between 2013 and 2014 and still stands in 2018 with natural growth, but without vandalism.

In closing... Black, white, red, tan or brown - - those who live a life of violence, hurt, crime, addiction, relationship issues, etc. typically have one thing in common: Childhood trauma

“Many abused children cling to the hope that growing up will bring escape and freedom.

But the personality formed in the environment of coercive control is not well adapted to adult life. The survivor is left with fundamental problems in basic trust, autonomy, and initiative.

She approaches the task of early adulthood ―― establishing independence and intimacy ―― burdened by major impairments in self-care, in cognition and in memory, in identity, and in the capacity to form stable relationships.

She is still a prisoner of her childhood; attempting to create a new life, she re-encounters the trauma.”

— Judith Lewis Herman

The trauma that sticks for a lifetime

The lasting impacts of sex abuse on boys is devastating as they age. Especially because most will never admit to it and if they do, it will be when they hit age 40 or even 50.

Daniel who is homeless, but currently jailed for assault charges, has struggled his entire life. He was raped numerous times as a child by another man, but has yet to recover even though he is in his forties today.

He struggles with severe anger at times that seems to come out of nowhere, feelings of no self-worth, a lack of value and more.

Daniel tries to please others as his mind never fully developed after the trauma because his brain was literally re-wired. While that sounds intensely insane to say, it is all proven by medical science.

Children who undergo such traumas at an early age see later in life that their brain acts and reacts differently than those without a background of such trauma.

Just to name a few issues that attack in adulthood:

- Lack of flight or fight response
- Fibromyalgia
- Increased chances of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Failure to properly rest your mind and body
- Increased allergies (immune system not as strong)
- Unexplained stomach pain
- Increased addiction (70% more likely) 
- 70% as likely to commit or attempt suicide
- More than twice likely to have depression
- Increased risk for eating disorders
- Higher risk of general health concerns or problems
- Failed relationships
- Fear of social interaction
- Codependency
- Real life brain damage
- Child sexual abuse victims were almost twice as likely to be arrested for a violent offense as the general population (20.4% versus 10.7%)
- 30% more likely than their non-abused peers to have a serious medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, heart problems, stroke or hypertension.

Medical research has come a long way and the studies on such victims has revealed more than was thought possible.

Child sex abuse on males today as they age into their forties, like Daniel, is compared to some of the worst PTSD reported by military personnel in the midst of seeing the bloodiest battles unfold before their eyes. While it may sound far-fetched, ask a Daniel – there are many Daniel’s in the world.

“Denial forces victims to retreat in lifeless existence, dieing in the shadows of buried trauma and painful memories.” ― Trudy Metzger