Trauma Proof

‘Lucid, clear, visionary’ – Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps The Score

‘An important book’ Bruce Perry, author of What Happened to You?

‘Buy this book’ – Lemn Sissay, author of My Name is Why

‘A book of profound importance’ – Lisa Damour, author of Untangled

In recent years the word ‘trauma’ has become ubiquitous. Yet it remains widely misunderstood. In Trauma Proof international expert Benjamin Perks redefines how we see childhood trauma, and outlines a new path towards healing and prevention.

For 25 years, Perks has worked for the UN and UNICEF on eradicating global barriers to child wellbeing, including poverty, hunger, disease, the mobilisation of child soldiers and population displacement. But he has also been on a personal journey of healing from his own childhood, spent living in the UK’s care system and on the streets.

Today, new research is revealing little-known aspects of childhood trauma. It is no surprise that it drives addiction or poor mental health. But how does it explain a heightened risk for heart disease or diabetes? Why does it so comprehensively correlate with poor life outcomes? And how can we not only heal from, but prevent, the types of experiences that negatively impact on child development?

In Trauma Proof, Perks explains the science behind these findings, and argues that making simple changes can break damaging inter-generational cycles. Ultimately, he shows how building secure attachments and improving the quality of your relationships can radically transform your life, at any age.

Author Biography

Ben Perks works for the UN in New York, campaigning on human rights and child development. He is a leading global advocate on issues related to child poverty, education, mental health, early childhood development, and prevention of abuse and neglect. He is a Senior Fellow at the Jubilee Centre at the University of Birmingham in the UK.