There have been a number of studies that have looked into genetics and the likelihood that a person will become traumatised in later life, and there is virtually no evidence to suggest there is a link. Where people in families have been traumatised seems to have a cultural link rather than a genetic one. For example, people who live in violent neighbourhoods are more likely to be exposed to traumatic events than others. Victims of childhood sexual abuse may go onto becoming perpetrators in adult life, which can lead to false links being made surrounding inheritance. When people are exposed to the stress hormones that are associated with traumatic events, there is no genetic mutation that is known to occur either. Simply put, we don't pass traumatised genes down to our children, but our behaviour may have some impact on them.
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