People who experience childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, can feel the ripple effects of such experiences well into adulthood, if not for the rest of their lives. The traumatic event, the harm caused, and their response may have given them a warped understanding of what constitutes "normal" behavior and healthy boundaries.

Unfortunately, college students who suffer childhood trauma can carry the resulting emotional and behavioral damage into their university experience and act out in ways that go against the college's code and land them in serious trouble. If this sounds like you or your child, here's what you should know.

The General Effects of Childhood Trauma

Experiencing trauma can be emotionally destabilizing for anyone, but especially for children. Research shows that children who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or other traumas are likely to have lower self-esteem, deep feelings of shame and worthlessness, and difficulty controlling their emotions in adulthood.

There's also a higher chance that they will struggle with mental disorders such as anxiety or depression and turn to substance abuse or other self-defeating coping mechanisms to mask or temporarily relieve strong emotions. Adults traumatized in childhood are at risk of engaging in illegal activities and find it challenging to connect with or relate to others in a healthy, appropriate way.

The likelihood of these adverse effects occurring can be influenced by a variety of issues, including:

• the child's age at the time of the trauma
• the cultural factors that influence how the child views responses to trauma in their family or community.
• the socioeconomic level of the child's family.
• whether the child received counseling or therapy after the traumatic event
• whether the child experienced other traumatic events within or outside the family.

How Childhood Trauma Can Affect a College Student's Behavior

University is a time of new freedoms and personal challenges for young people. This transitional period can be particularly stressful for students who have experienced trauma. The academic and social pressure may lead some to turn to the unhealthy or inappropriate behaviors they use as coping mechanisms in response to their trauma, including include substance abuse, aggression, or sexually risky behavior. Such behaviors and others may violate the university's code of conduct and could lead to disciplinary actions.

For example, if a traumatized student's coping mechanism is alcohol abuse, their actions might violate their university's rules if they drink while underage. If they engage in other code violations while drunk, such as assaulting someone or destroying school property, they compound the offenses and risk facing harsher penalties. Depending on the nature of the violation, they could face the following:

• Academic probation
• Removal from university clubs and extracurricular activities
• Suspension or removal from university athletic programs
• Loss of scholarship
• Loss of university housing
• Suspension from campus
• Expulsion from school.

These serious consequences may not only affect the student's academic future and prospective careers but increase their sense of shame and worthlessness, pushing them toward more antisocial behavior.

Contact an Experienced Education Attorney-Advisor

After suffering a trauma, students with lingering mental health challenges need help and support. If past trauma and mental health issues have contributed to alleged code violations, knowing how to best defend their rights is essential.

A skilled education attorney-advisor can help you navigate the disciplinary process and fight for your child's interests. Contact Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his experienced Education Law and Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or submit a confidential online consultation form.