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Benjamin Perks
Author
Described as ‘visionary’ by both Bessel van der Kolk (The Body Keeps the Score) and Bruce Perry (What Happened to You), Trauma Proof is a story-driven tour of everything we know about child trauma and its lasting and costly impact on individuals and society.
With testimony of recovery and resilience from around the world, Trauma Proof’s ultimate destination is the idea that child trauma is not an insurmountable problem. We can prevent it at scale for a fraction of the costs of inaction and those affected by trauma can heal at any age.
Trauma Proof is fearless, optimistic and written with humour and tenderness. Its passion comes from the authors own journey of a childhood in care and 25 years spent working for the UN on child rights.
Benjamin 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 violence against children. He is a Senior Fellow at the Jubilee Centre at the University of Birmingham in the UK and an associate member of the department of Social Policy and innovation at the University of Oxford.
Described as ‘visionary’ by both Bessel van der Kolk(The Body Keeps the Score)and Bruce Perry (What Happened to You), Trauma Proof is a story-driven tour of everything we know about child trauma and its lasting and costly impact on individuals and society.
With testimony of recovery and resilience from around the world, Trauma Proof’s ultimate destination is the idea that child trauma is not an insurmountable problem. We can prevent it at scale for a fraction of the costs of inaction and those affected by trauma can heal at any age.
Trauma Proof is fearless, optimistic and written with humour and tenderness. Its passion comes from the authors own journey of a childhood in care and 25 years spent working for the UN on child rights.
Benjamin 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 violence against children. He is a Senior Fellow at the Jubilee Centre at the University of Birmingham in the UK and an associate member of the department of Social Policy and innovation at the University of Oxford.
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"Trauma Proof is a book of profound importance - one that will serve as a beacon of hope and guidance for decades to come. In it, Benjamin Perks masterfully blends clear explanations of scientific findings with real-life stories of resilience and recovery. Through its pages, readers will learn why we must do everything in our power to prevent the deep wounds of trauma and foster healing environments for those who are traumatized. This unflinching, edifying, must-read book is a testament to the human capacity for healing and transformation. It provides invaluable tools and insights that will help readers craft a path toward a brighter, healthier future for young people everywhere."
- Lisa Damour, PhD, Author of Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers.
"Benjamin Perks provides us with a rare multi-dimensional perspective on the complexities of childhood trauma in this important book. His personal and professional experiences with trauma lead to his conclusion that a public health, preventative lens is the ultimate key to addressing the multigenerational impacts of trauma on the health and wellness of individuals, families, communities and cultures. The power of this book is in the stories and voices of so many people impacted by, and struggling with, developmental adversity. The book concludes with some concrete public health practices, programs and policies that would be part of the pathway to a ‘trauma-free’ society. This is a visionary book, and, as George Washington Carver told us – Where there is no vision, there is no hope.”
Bruce D. Perry, Author, with Oprah Winfrey of the New York Times #1 Bestseller “What Happened to You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing”
"Trauma Proof is a profound and illuminating exploration of the pervasive impact of childhood trauma and the pathways to healing. Drawing from his deeply personal and moving life experience, extensive global research, and decades at the frontline of child rights endeavours for UNICEF, Ben Perkins provides a compelling narrative that underscores the urgency of addressing this global public health crisis. This book is a must-read for anyone dedicated to understanding, preventing and healing childhood trauma. It offers empathy, hope, practical solutions, and an inspiring vision for the future."
- Ben Ramalingam, author, Upshift: Turning Pressure into Performance and Crisis into Creativity
"It has been my dream that one day grown adults will speak about their time in care in the way they are doing today. Benjamin Perks is a full grown advocate of the highest order. His experience is all our experience. Buy this book."
- Lemn Sissay, Author of 'My Name is Why'