A very serious injury to the body, or a deeply upsetting experience that causes lasting emotional or mental pain.
From Greek *trauma* meaning “wound,” especially a physical one. Over time its use widened from medical injuries to psychological and emotional wounds.
The word doesn’t care whether the wound is on your skin or in your memories—it covers both. Modern psychology treats trauma almost like an invisible scar on the brain, changing how people react long after the event is over.
The language of trauma has often been applied unevenly, with women’s and marginalized groups’ trauma—especially sexual and domestic violence—historically minimized or medicalized in gendered ways (e.g., ‘hysteria’). Clinical and legal discourse long centered male combat trauma while underrecognizing trauma from gender-based violence.
Use ‘trauma’ carefully and specifically, avoiding casual metaphor that trivializes survivors’ experiences. Acknowledge diverse sources of trauma, including gender-based and structural violence.
["psychological injury","distress","harm"]
Recognize the contributions of women clinicians, researchers, and activists who documented trauma from domestic and sexual violence and pushed to have it recognized in law, medicine, and psychology.
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