ACes
What are ACEs?
ACEs stands for "Adverse Childhood Experiences". The graphic to the right contains some of the various ACEs, including sexual abuse. While these experiences can have a negative effect on people of all ages, they can be especially difficult for children to deal with. ACEs not only effect the child throughout childhood, but also as they age. These effects include mental, physical, and emotional difficulties. To learn more about the effects, refer to the "Effects of ACEs" section. Despite experiencing ACEs, children have the ability to grow and thrive. It is also important to note that not all children react to ACEs in the same way.
What's considered an ACE?
Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Physical hurt and harm that is caused on purpose. This can include hitting (with objects or hands), punching, slapping, pushing etc.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Emotional hurt, caused when someone degrades, isolates, frightens, and controls their victim.
Sexual Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Physical Neglect
Unwanted sexual activity with someone who did not consent or is too young to legally consent. Threating and using force are common with sexual abuse.
Physical Neglect
Emotional Neglect
Physical Neglect
The failure of a caregiver to provide a child with necessities, such as food, water, healthcare, proper hygiene, clothing, shelter, etc. This also includes any other action that put the child at risk for physical harm.
Emotional Neglect
Emotional Neglect
Emotional Neglect
The failure of a caregiver to provide emotional support for a child in the form of attention, affection, etc.
Mental Illness
Emotional Neglect
Emotional Neglect
One (or more) of the child's caregivers is mentally ill (including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, etc.)
Incarcerated Relative
Violently Treated Mother (or Father)
Violently Treated Mother (or Father)
One (or more) of the members of the child's household or immediate family is in jail or prison.
Violently Treated Mother (or Father)
Violently Treated Mother (or Father)
Violently Treated Mother (or Father)
One (or more) of the child's caregivers (specifically the mother) is treated violently, typically in a physical manner.
Substance Abuse
Violently Treated Mother (or Father)
Substance Abuse
One (or more) of the child's caregivers take part in excessive drug and/or alcohol use.
Divorce
Divorce
Substance Abuse
The child's mother and father have split and are no longer together or married. Death of a parent or abandonment by a parent also fall into this category.