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OVC TTAC: 4. The Neurobiology of Trauma and Sexual Assault
4. The Neurobiology of Trauma and Sexual Assault
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Time Required:
2 hours, 5 minutes

Use this module to introduce participants to the basic elements of neurobiology and the parts of the brain affected by traumatic situations such as sexual assault. They will also learn about types of drastic survival reflexes and the relationship between sexual assault and memory.

Lessons

  • Brain Circuitry (25 minutes)

  • Reactions in Traumatic Situations (20 minutes)

  • Drastic Survival Reflexes During Sexual Assault (35 minutes)

  • Roles of Brain Circuitries in Trauma, Memory, and Healing (40 minutes)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, participants will be able to

  • Describe the components of the brain related to trauma.

  • Explain common ways the brain is affected during and after sexual assault.

  • Recognize common ways a traumatic experience may affect a victim's behavior.

  • Assist victims in understanding the neurobiology of trauma, when appropriate.

Module-Specific Downloads

To download files, right click on the file and select "save target as."

Training Manuals

  • Instructor Materials [PDF 4.01MB]

  • Participant Materials [PDF 390KB]

*PDFs of the full curriculum are in the Presenter's Toolbox.

Tools

  • PowerPoint Slides [PDF 4.01MB]

*The full curriculum's slides are in the Presenter's Toolbox.

Important

Read the trainer's materials included on the module pages well before presenting the course to your audience; these materials contain preparation instructions essential to an effective training.

Tip

Create a folder for SAASPT on your computer and download all the files you'll need in that folder rather than using the SAASPT Web site during the training. To download files, right click on the file and select "save target as."