Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence - from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror

ACEs are traumatic events or chronic stressors that occur during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or exposure to domestic violence. In Trauma and Recovery, Herman references the ACEs framework to underscore the long-term psychological, relational, and physiological impacts of early trauma. The ACEs study, widely cited in trauma literature, confirms a correlation between early life trauma and increased risk for mental health disorders, substance abuse, and chronic illness. Herman integrates these findings to reinforce her argument that trauma is not rare and that its consequences extend into every facet of adult life, particularly for those whose trauma occurred during critical developmental periods.

Attachment theory, originally developed by John Bowlby, posits that early interactions with caregivers shape one’s capacity for relationships and emotional regulation. Herman uses this framework to explain how interpersonal trauma—especially in childhood—disrupts the ability to form secure attachments. Traumatized individuals often develop “disorganized” or “insecure” attachment styles, leading to difficulty in forming trust, boundaries, and mutual relationships in adulthood. The theory provides a foundation for understanding why trauma survivors often struggle with intimacy and emotional regulation and reinforces Herman’s emphasis on the importance of restoring relational safety in recovery.