Adverse Childhood Experiences

ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). For example:

  • experiencing violence or abuse
  • witnessing violence in the home or community
  • having a family member attempt or die by suicide

Growing up in a household with:

  • substance misuse
  • mental health problems
  • instability due to parental separation
  • household members being in jail or prison

“Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity.”
-Center of Disease Control

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Impact on Health

As the number of ACEs increases so does the risk of negative health outcomes. 

ACEs can have long-term negative impacts on health and well-being. These experiences can lead to mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, suicide, and PTSD. In addition, they increase the probability of various chronic diseases and leading causes of death such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Our Audience

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Minorities

According to the CDC, women and several racial/ethnic minority groups are at greater risk for having experienced 4 or more types of Adverse Childhood Experiences(ACEs). ACEs are cumulative, therefore we see higher rates in minority communities that face several exclusive challenges, such as unfavorable social conditions and Historical Trauma. Minorities experience these unfortunate hurdles, in addition to other childhood adversity.

Thus, ACEs are not a racial issue. They are a societal issue in which minorities and members of marginalized groups are in particular need of support.