ACEs Explained
While there are several adverse events that affect children, below are 10 that are commonly discussed.
Sexual Abuse
Any act of sexual nature. Rape, molestation, prostitution, pornography, or other forms of sexual exploitation of children.
Physical Abuse
Generally defined as any non-accidental physical injury to the child. Any action that harms the child's health and welfare.
Emotional Neglect
Failure from parent/guardian to provide needed emotional attention, support, recognition, love, and empathic response. Child's emotional health and development are threatened with harm.
Loss of Parent
The discontinuation of contact with a parent due to death, divorce, or abandonment.
Incarceration of a Family Member
The experience of having any family member in jail can create substantial emotional issues, such as grief and loss, stigmatization, anxiety, and depression.
Emotional Abuse
Evidenced by a substantial change in behavior, emotional response or anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or aggressive behavior.
Physical Neglect
The child is not provided with food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care, or supervision. The child's health, safety, and well-being are threatened with harm.
Witnessing Family Violence
Witnessing violence creates significant emotional and psychological damage due to the high stress experienced by the child.
Having a Mentally Ill, Depressed, or Suicidal Family Member
Growing up in a family dealing with mental health issues can cause confusion, fear, anxiety, stress, lack of attention, and concern regarding the child's own emotional health. (Sporleder)
Living With a Drug-Addicted or Alcoholic Family Member
Drug and alcohol addiction of parents can negatively impact a child's sense of safety, predictability, stability, normalcy, connectedness, and attachment.
"Children who are exposed to trauma but who also have a loving, nurturing adult alongside them are much less likely to have lifelong emotional and physical effects."
Resilience in the face of trauma is promoted by the presence of adults who listen to children, believe them, and help them know they can get through situations with their support.
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When we are trauma-informed, we are able to shift our lens from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?"
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This approach increases our empathy while developing strong relationships with students who need your presence the most.
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Ginsburg, K. (2006). Nurturant Connections Offer Meaningful Protection Against the Effects of Childhood Trauma. In 1119338826 845191576 K. R. Ginsburg & 1119338827 845191576 M. M. Jablow (Authors), A parent's guide to building resilience in children and teens: Giving your child roots and wings (pp. 163-164). Elk Grove Village, Ill: American Academy of Pediatrics.
