The prevalence of adverse childhood experiences, nationally, by state, and by race or ethnicity [ChildTrends]

Infographic courtesy of the RYSE Center, Richmond, California

Using data from the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health, this report analyzed the prevalence of 8 specific adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) nationally and across states.

The researchers also looked at ACE prevalence differences by race/ ethnicity and geographical regions. The most common ACEs were those associated with economic hardship and divorce or separation of a parent or guardian.  Researchers found that black and Hispanic youth were more likely in all regions to experience ACEs than white and Asian counterparts. "To some extent" the authors concluded, "these racial disparities reflect the lasting effects of inequitable policies, practices, and social norms. Discriminatory housing and employment policies, bias in law enforcement and sentencing decisions, and immigration policies have concentrated disadvantage among black and Hispanic children..."