Trauma Proof: Healing, Attachment, and the Science of Prevention [Past Event]
Benjamin Perks
February 25, 2026
Benjamin Perks presents his debut book, Trauma Proof: Healing, Attachment, and the Science of Prevention. 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 author's 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.