A severely traumatic event like sexual abuse or a natural disaster leaves its scars on children. They may go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The trauma of seeing violence in the home firsthand takes its toll on children as it is. When they experience more traumatic events, their risk of mental health concerns is even greater.

The damage has only just begun. After Hurricane Isaac struck the coast this week, the destruction may also be hidden in the children.

A child, like an adult, does not need to experience violence to be affected by it. Just witnessing violent events can affect a child's mental health - and possibly physical health, too.