Intersections: Generational Family Trauma

Generational Family Trauma

Generational family trauma happens within or to identified family units. It can impact how the family behaves over generations. Minimizing current trauma and developing survival-based family culture are common outcomes. ​

Trauma not healed is often passed down to younger generations. Family traumas often become family secrets. 

When sexual abuse occurs over generations, families typically continue to keep it secret.

Examples of generational family trauma include:

- Sexual Abuse​
- Verbal or Emotional Abuse​
- Physical Abuse​
- Neglect​
- Intimate Partner Violence​
- Substance Use Disorders​
- Mental Illness or Suicide​
- Poverty​
- Immigration Status