Trauma is an intense physical or psychological response to a stressful, frightening, or distressing event that is difficult to cope with or is beyond one’s control. It can result from an isolated incident or an ongoing event from the past (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 1970).
Introduction:
Trauma and racism are deeply ingrained issues in American society, affecting various communities. These topics often appear in discussions about policing, education, and social status. However, the intersection of trauma and racism—known as racial trauma—is an essential aspect of understanding these experiences.
Understanding Racial Trauma:
Racial trauma refers to the physical or psychological stress endured due to racism. This form of trauma can hinder relationship development, impair learning in children, and keep individuals in a constant “fight or flight” response, ultimately affecting their overall health (Edwards, 2021).
Statistics:
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 8 out of 10 Black college students experience racism occasionally, with 17% reporting regular occurrences (Edwards, 2021). The impacts of racial trauma extend beyond individual victims, influencing society as a whole.
Addressing Racial Trauma in Virginia:
Virginia has begun implementing legislation and support systems to address racial trauma, promoting financial stability, family resilience, community partnerships, and addressing the unintended consequences of biases. This framework can be adapted to other states and communities to close systemic racial gaps and support marginalized groups (Edwards, 2021).
Conclusion:
Many groups could benefit from adopting the framework used in Virginia to combat systemic oppression and promote a trauma-informed approach to racial justice.
References
Edwards, C. (2021, January 14). 2021 campaign for a trauma-informed virginia: Racial Truth & Reconciliation Priorities. Voices for Virginia’s Kids. https://vakids.org/our-news/blog/2021-campaign-for-a-trauma-informed-virginia-racial-truth-reconciliation-priorities
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US). (1970b, January 1). Understanding the impact of trauma. Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207191/