What are ACEs?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events, including abuse and neglect. They may also include household dysfunction such as witnessing domestic violence or growing up with family members who have substance use disorders. ACEs are strongly related to the development and prevalence of a wide range of health problems throughout a person’s lifespan, including those associated with substance misuse.
ACEs include:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Physical neglect
- Emotional neglect
- Mother treated violently
- Substance misuse within household
- Household mental illness
- Parental separation or divorce
- Incarcerated household member
The ACE Study is a research investigation conducted by Kaiser Permanente and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study has demonstrated an association of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with health and social problems as an adult. The study examined multiple categories of childhood physical and emotional abuse and neglect, as well as measures of household dysfunction like domestic violence, parental mental illness, substance abuse and separation/divorce.
The ACE study's results suggest that maltreatment and household dysfunction in childhood contribute to health problems decades later. These problems include chronic diseases—such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. While ACEs can have lasting effects on health, they also effect behaviors (smoking, alcoholism, drug use), and life potential (graduation rates, academic achievement, lost time from work).
The ACE Pyramid was created as a visualization of the consequences of adverse childhood experiences. It shows the mechanisms by which ACEs influence health and well-being throughout a lifetime.
These wide-ranging health and social consequences underscore the importance of preventing ACEs before they occur. ACEs can be prevented. Safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments (SSNREs) can have a positive impact on a broad range of health problems and the development of skills that help children reach their full potential. Strategies for prevention include:
- Parenting training programs
- Intimate partner violence prevention
- Social supports for parents
Mental illness and substance abuse treatment - High quality child care
- Sufficient income support for lower income families
- Home visiting to pregnant women and families with newborns
As knowledge about the prevalence and consequences of adverse childhood experiences increases, trauma-informed and resilience-building practices based on research is being implemented in communities, education, public health departments, social services, faith-based organizations and criminal justice.
For more information, visit:
Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies
ACES Connection Network
To read more of the February newsletter and learn about additional initiatives the San Diego Youth Development Office is leading, please click here.
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