Breaking silence on trauma is first step to healing

Richmond youth polled about their experience of trauma described terror, self-hate, rage and a host of other feelings that come with being exposed to violence and abuse.  They reported commonly experiencing street and school trauma -- gun and gang violence, racism and bullying -- as well as sexual abuse and domestic violence.  The vast majority escape those feelings by using drugs, the poll showed, and they said shame and fear kept them from sharing their experience with other adults.  The article by RYSE Youth Justice Coordinator Maaika Marshall is on Richmond Pulse.