ABSTRACT
The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10)1 defines trauma as “a stressful event or situation (either short-or long-lasting) of an exceptionally threatening or catastrophic nature, which is likely to cause pervasive distress in almost anyone.” A large body of epidemiological research, most of which has been undertaken in the United States, indicates that the majority of people will, at some point in their life, be exposed to at least one traumatic event.2 Violent crime would certainly fall within this definition. However, only a minority will develop and sustain symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related psychopathology.
