United States Department of Veterans Affairs
NATIONAL CENTER for PTSD

Types of Trauma

 

Types of Trauma

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War		   Violence
& Abuse		  
  Terrorism   Disasters

A traumatic event is something life-threatening or very scary that you see or that happens to you. Examples include fire, natural disaster, violence, or a life-threatening accident. Trauma also includes witnessing someone being killed or injured.

Veterans may go through traumatic experiences such as combat, blasts, or witnessing death and injury. In addition, military sexual trauma (MST), which includes sexual harassment and sexual assault, can occur for both men and women.

Date Created: See last Reviewed/Updated Date below.