A major project by the University of Central Lancashire and other academics and experts across the North West is examining the ‘hidden epidemic’ of childhood trauma.

The collaborative project is looking at the effects of traumatic experiences on children, such as mental, physical or sexual abuse, and how the long and short term impacts of these negative experiences can be minimised.

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The new project hopes to develop proactive responses to help schools, communities, psychologists and medical practitioners deal with the issue as early as possible.

UCLan’s team from the Criminal Justice Partnership say the project may enhance the quality of life of victims of adverse childhood experiences, and prevent future young people from being exposed.

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Professor Nicola Graham-Kevan from UCLan’s School of Criminal Justice Partnership said: “Trauma in childhood, particularly if it involves abuse or neglect, can have far reaching effects on a person both as they continue to  grow and later into adulthood.

“With this project we want to look at those effects, how they influence  behaviour and what responses we can develop to tackle them effectively. This partnership is based on a strong collaborative approach and it is this approach that, as an academic, is so exciting.”

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Recently UCLan hosted a webinar to develop a shared language around ‘adverse childhood experiences’, to enable the community as a whole to be able to discuss these and assist local organisations tackling the issue.

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What do you think of the project? Let us know in the comments.