November 19, 2025
Media Release
Major National Study Exposes the Scale of Childhood Trauma — 2 in 5 Australians Affected, With Lasting Health Consequences
KidsXpress welcomes the release of a landmark national study on childhood trauma by the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney, providing Australia with contemporary, nationally representative evidence on the prevalence and lifelong impacts of potentially traumatic events experienced before the age of 18.
The study analysed data from 15,893 Australians aged 16–85 and found that up to 42% — approximately 8.25 million people — were exposed to at least one potentially traumatic event in childhood, with many first exposed between the ages of six and seven. The most common experiences included the unexpected death of a loved one (27.5%), witnessing domestic violence (21.1%), sexual assault (21.0%) and witnessing serious injury or death (20.0%).
Adults exposed to childhood trauma had significantly higher odds of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, depression and substance use disorders. The study also reported markedly elevated odds of suicidal thoughts (57% higher), suicide plans (60% higher) and suicide attempts (more than double) compared to those with no trauma exposure.
The study also found that trauma occurring in childhood was associated with more severe outcomes than trauma first experienced in adulthood, underscoring how susceptible the developing brain and body are to early adversity. Early exposure was linked to higher odds of panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and persistent depression — highlighting the critical importance of intervening early, before these impacts become entrenched.
Importantly, the consequences extend beyond mental health. Adults with childhood trauma histories had significantly higher odds of asthma, arthritis, cancer and kidney disease, illustrating the profound biological and physiological imprint that early adversity can carry across the lifespan.
The study was co-led by Dr Lucy Grummitt and Associate Professor Emma Barrett, who are also leading the independent evaluation of the KidsXpress School Partnership Program (SPP), an integrated whole-school, trauma-informed model working with primary schools across NSW.
“This study gives Australia the clearest picture yet of just how many children are carrying the weight of trauma — how early these experiences begin and the long-term implications they can have. At KidsXpress, we see the human face behind these statistics every day. It’s the reason our organisation exists. The findings reaffirm the urgent need for trauma-informed support systems and greater investment in early intervention so that children can recover, thrive and realise their potential.” – Margo Ward, Founder & CEO, KidsXpress
A clear summary of the findings by lead author Dr Lucy Grummitt is available here: The Conversation
The full paper can be read here.
KidsXpress will continue to advocate for trauma-informed systems reform across education, health and community sectors, ensuring children affected by adversity receive timely, evidence-based support.
To learn more about KidsXpress and its trauma-informed programs, visit: www.kidsxpress.org.au
