Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have a tremendous impact on future violence
victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. Working together, we
can help create neighborhoods, communities, and a world in which every child can thrive.

ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). For example:

experiencing violence or abuse
witnessing violence in the home or
community
having a family member attempt or die by
suicide

Also included are aspects of the child’s environment that can undermine their sense of safety,
stability, and bonding such as growing up in a household with:

substance misuse
mental health problems
instability due to parental separation or
household members being in jail or
prison

ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. ACEs can also negatively impact education and job opportunities.

However, ACEs are preventable. Creating and sustaining safe, stable, nurturing relationships
and environments for all children and familiescan prevent ACEs and help all children reach
their full potential. CDC has produced a resource, Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences
(ACEs): Leveraging the Best Available Evidencepdf icon, to help states and communities take advantage of the best available evidence to prevent ACEs. It features six strategies from the CDC Technical Packages to Prevent Violence.