What are ACEs? Understanding the Impacts of Trauma

ACEs, or adverse childhood experiences, occur when a child experiences a traumatic event or environmental factors that threaten their sense of safety, stability, and bonding.

A traumatic event in childhood can include:

• Violence

• Exploitation

• Trafficking

• Abuse or neglect

• Witnessing violence in their home or community

• Or having a family member attempt or die by suicide.*

Environmental factors include:

• Growing up in a household where there is substance use

• Parental separation

• Incarceration of household members

• Or family members with mental health problems (Bellazaire, 2018).

The earlier ACEs are identified and addressed the smaller impact they will have on a child’s future

ACEs can detrimentally affect a person’s future - impacting both their mental and physical health. A study in the 1990’s showed a significant relationship between the number of ACEs an individual experiences and a variety of negative outcomes in adulthood including poor physical and mental health, substance use, and risky behaviors. The more ACEs an individual experiences, the greater the risk for these outcomes.* This is why preventing ACEs is a key aspect of establishing an environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential. When a child already has an adverse childhood experience, providing them with mental health resources and trauma-informed professionals is critical to preparing them to thrive in adulthood. The earlier ACEs are identified and addressed the smaller impact they will have on a child’s future (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2022). 

When a child already has an adverse childhood experience, providing them with mental health resources and trauma-informed professionals is critical to preparing them to thrive in adulthood.

If you suspect that a child is being or has been abused, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-Child (or 1-800-422-4453). It is always better to report any potential exploitation so it can be investigated as quickly as possible. In an emergency, call 911 for immediate help.

Together, we can educate communities, provide resources, and promote awareness that will end sexual exploitation and human trafficking - one child at a time.

Resources:

Bellazaire, A. (2018). Preventing and Mitigating the Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences. National Conference of State Legislatures. https://www.ncsl.org/Portals/1/HTML_LargeReports/ACEs_2018_32691.pdf

Child Welfare Information Gateway. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/overview/framework/aces/