The Trauma of Abuse - NYTimes.com Re "Emotional Recovery Seen Possible for Victims of Prolonged Abuse" (news article, May 10): A child's exposure to trauma makes headlines when the situation is extreme, as attested by the extensive media coverage of the Cleveland hostage case. However, for thousands of children in New York City every year, the devastating experience of continuing, multiple traumas can be a result of common abuse (physical and sexual), domestic and community violence, loss or separation from family members, poverty and mental illness. These traumas have a shattering effect on children's mental and physical health and are linked to a wide range of problems, from addiction to suicide. The mental health needs of the victims in Cleveland will probably be carefully attended to, and the outcomes of therapy are promising. But for other child victims of sexual abuse, only 35 percent will receive any therapeutic help at all. Calling attention to this critical unmet need could be the best possible outcome in this tragedy. BETH FINKELSTEIN Executive Director New York Center for Children New York, May 10, 2013