Violence and the Effects of Trauma on American Indian and Alaska Native Populations

Abstract

Violence and the resulting trauma has had a major impact on American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and their families, creating hardships that have been very difficult to address or overcome. This article provides a brief description of the cultures and shared beliefs of the indigenous people. A review of the recent published literature on poverty and historical trauma, including a discussion on oppression and hegemony, is presented. Additionally, recent research on violence and the resulting trauma, suicide, domestic violence, and post-traumatic stress disorder is described. A brief description of select cultural adaptations of evidence-based treatments is also provided.