This unit explores the prevalence and characteristics of different types of traumatic experiences and their impact on individuals, families and those who support them. The issue of resilience in the face of adversity is examined. Different ways of working with trauma, violence, sexual assault, and posttraumatic stress disorder are explored including critical incident debriefing. A range of theoretical perspectives and clinical interventions are critically analysed and applied to specific cases. The possibility of vicarious traumatisation of carers is also examined.