A traumatic event is an incident that causes physical, emotional, spiritual, or psychological harm. The person experiencing the distressing event may feel physically threatened or extremely frightened as a result. In some cases, they may not know how to respond or may be in denial about the effect such an event has had. The person will need support and time to recover from the traumatic event and regain emotional and mental stability. Examples of traumatic events include: physical pain or injury (e.g. severe car accident) serious illness war natural disasters terrorism witnessing a death rape domestic abuse incarceration within the criminal justice system