PTSD is common, debilitating, and poses a significant risk for suicide. While post trauma stress is prevalent among veterans, many are not aware of its impact within America's female population and impoverished neighborhoods that have minimal resources and high rates of violence.
Several risk factors contribute to the development of posttraumatic stress in trauma survivors, including the duration and severity of trauma, childhood abuse and neglect, domestic violence, bullying and lack of family or social support. Understanding the role of post traumatic growth (PTG) for mental health and trauma recovery within high-risk environments is important for progress in changing the way posttraumatic stress is viewed and treated within communities.