adverse childhood experiences (aces)

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur during childhood, typically before the age of 18. These experiences can have lasting negative effects on a person's physical, mental, and emotional health throughout their life.

Types of ACEs include: Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect (physical and emotional), witnessing domestic violence, household substance abuse, household mental illness, incarceration of a household member, parental separation or divorce.

ACEs can have a significant impact on a person's health and well-being, including increased risk of chronic diseases, mental health problems, substance use disorders, poor academic performance, difficulty with relationships, and early death. Understanding the nature and impact of ACEs is crucial for developing strategies to prevent them and support those who have experienced them.