The impact of gender on the experience of trauma is less widely discussed, though it is significant in scope. In multiple studies, girls have reported higher rates of adverse childhood experiences than boys in all categories, especially girls in the juvenile justice system. Girls report sexual abuse at particularly disproportionate levels and are more likely than boys to experience such violence within intimate relationships. Girls are also at greater risk of developing negative mental health outcomes from traumatic experiences. Trauma even has unique physical effects on the female brain. Finally, the multiple layers of girls identity including the interplay among the factors of sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity further shape their experience of trauma.

THIS REPORT PRESENTS THREE KEY FINDINGS: 
Trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and culturally competent somatic interventions can serve as critical components of physical and mental health approaches for system-involved girls by offering key coping strategies and skills vital for future development, as well as improved health outcomes. Demonstrated positive effects discussed in this report include: (1) improved self-regulation and other emotional development; (2) improved neurological and physical health; and (3) healthier relationships and parenting practices.

The positive benefits of trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and culturally competent somatic interventions for girls give rise to two critical needs: (1) developing new programs that serve system-involved girls in juvenile justice facilities and residential placement programs; and (2) scaling up existing programs, with a focus on sustainability.

Additional research should be conducted to develop a more comprehensive picture of how juvenile justice systems can fully integrate trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and culturally competent somatic interventions to address girls trauma and support their resilience. 

To read the report, please click here.

The report is also attached with this post.