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Effects of Torture and War Trauma on ChildrenEffects of Torture on Children While it is true that children recover more quickly than adults from superficial injuries, more serious trauma may disrupt or distort normal growth patterns or cause permanent weakness or disability. Children display a range of symptoms, depending on factors such as the degree of trauma and age. Children: The Silent Victims It is shocking to associate children with torture. It is however a reality that children suffer from oppression, war, and torture directly or indirectly. In the twentieth century, children have increasingly become the target of oppressive regimes. It is alarming to comprehend the magnitude of the phenomenon: half the world’s refugee population are children. Effects of Trauma on Children By Age A look at how the age of a child influences the effects of trauma. Adolescents and Torture Adolescents are targeted in oppressive regimes throughout the world. Adolescents are often coerced into combat roles by such regimes and forced to engage in warfare. In the best-case scenario, adolescence is a time of excitement, learning, and taking on new challenges. In the worst-case scenario, adolescence is a time of learning also, but learning about violence, oppression, and murder. Effects of Trauma on Adolescents A look at how adolescents are affected by trauma. Common Effects of War and Torture Trauma Common effects of war and torture trauma are physical symptoms, post-traumatic stress, and depression. Each of these conditions is manifested through a variety of indications. Common Concerns for Survivors of War and Torture Torture survivors experience a range of fears, losses, strong emotions, distrust, and communication challenges. Each of these entities comes to the surface due to valid and deep rooted reasons. Additional Resources Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction in Children of War What is Attachment Disorder? Core Reference and Advocacy Materials |