Leeneia, I have always found that to be true; all the female cats I've ever had have been dominant. That was what prompted me to have males from this point forward; males tend to be more affectionate, too, at least in my experience.
And you are correct about the cause of trauma. I live on the main street with tall brick buildings on each side and trucks and motorcycles go by roaring - all three cats look panic stricken and I have to reassure them that the 18 wheeler can't get them.