Thriving After Childhood Traumatic Stress: Unique’s Story (VIDEO)

This short film, inspired by a true story, shows how a consistent relationship with a caring adult can mean everything to someone who has witnessed violence and experienced childhood traumatic stress.

About Changing Minds

Each year, nearly 60% of youth are exposed to violence in their homes, schools, and communities. Recent childhood trauma studies demonstrate how observing violence has a lasting negative impact on a child’s brain development. Over time, exposure to violence during childhood is significantly correlated with negative outcomes; childhood trauma symptoms in adults can appear as psychological issues, adverse behavior, and serious illnesses.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Futures Without Violence, and the Ad Council have developed the Changing Minds campaign, as part of the Defending Childhood Initiative.

One of the biggest predictors of a child’s ability to be resilient in the face of traumatic stress is interacting with a caring adult. Learn how your everyday gestures can help a child in your life at ChangingMindsNOW.org.