Traumatic events do not just impact direct victim. Some individuals may experience PTSD like symptomology or other distressassociated with exposure to trauma seeing, hearing, or learning about violence experienced by others. There is also research that shows that the coping strategies that victims might commonly use to manage traumatic experiences can negatively impact others in their lives. Sometimes these coping strategies may be recognized, but in many other cases they may not. For instance, we might recognize how alcohol or drug use post victimization could impact one's relationship to others, but we may not realize being emotionally unavailable can equally cause distress.Remember, this conversation is not about blaming victims, but rather understanding the larger implications of trauma beyond direct victims (much like a ripple effect).

This link (Article:What does the still face experiment teach us about connection?)takes you to a short article and video on the impact of being emotionally unavailable can have on those around us. As you reach the article and watch the imbedded videos, I want you to consider the following.

1. What are the implications of this research for individuals, families, and communities whose loved ones have experienced trauma and in order to cope with this they are no longer emotionally available?
2. What are the implications of this research for communities that have experienced multi-generational trauma, including historical trauma associated with discrimination and disinvestment?
3. What are the implications of this research for practitioners who not only experience direct trauma and vicarious trauma, but must also interact with and help primary victims?

https://psychhelp.com.au/what-does-the-still-face-experiment-teach-us-about-connection/