What are ACEs?
Children who are routinely exposed to situations such as domestic violence, mental ill health, alcohol and other substance misuse problems in their homes experience a negative impact which can last well into adulthood. These chronic stress situations are called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and are often associated with poorer outcomes for children in educational attainment, employment, involvement in crime, family breakdown, and a range of health and wellbeing measures (Safeguarding Board NI)
What is an Adverse Childhood Experience?
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful experiences occurring during childhood that directly harm a child or affect the environment in which they live. (Bellis et al 2016)
ACEs can include the following:
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Physical neglect
- Emotional neglect
- Parental separation
- Domestic violence
- Mental ill health
- Alcohol or drug misuse
You can find out more about ACEs and the impact on child development on the SBNI website access the link below:
https://www.safeguardingni.org/aces-and-trauma-informed-practice/what-are-aces
There is also a short animation developed by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland which can be accessed via their website.
The ACE Animation is a helpful tool in raising awareness of what ACEs are and how staff, volunteers and organisations can be the change to support children, adults, families and communities to be more resilient.
