The study findings indicated that there was a direct relationship between trauma and attachment. Traumatic events are thought to negatively affect an individual’s model of self and others, to shatter individuals’ fundamental assumptions about themselves and the world around them. The results provide evidence that increasing levels of trauma are related to increasing levels of attachment insecurity. Similarly, a strong relationship between attachment and emotional processing was also found. A relatively strong and direct relationship was found between emotional processing and risk behavior. Overall, these findings have a number of important implications. The results provide both theoretical and empirical evidence explaining the mechanisms by which trauma affects women’s engagement in risk behavior and the criminal justice system. The research tested and found support for a theoretical model of trauma, attachment, substance use, and related risk behaviors, and criminal justice involvement. The study sample consisted of 239 pregnant unmarried women, under age 18. Figures, tables, notes, and references