Childhood Experiences and Health
Children are born with the potential to do great things for themselves, their family, and their community. But adverse childhood experiences or ACEs can get in the way of their potential, by impacting their relationships, sense of self, and perceptions of the world around them.
ACEs are very stressful events or circumstances that may occur during childhood. They can have significant effects on physical health, mental health, development, and social functioning. Without support, people can continue to be impacted by ACEs throughout their lives.
Types of adverse childhood experiences
The most common types of early adversity are emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect, mental illness, domestic violence, substance use, incarceration of a loved one, and parental separation.
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Physical abuse
Emotional neglect
Physical neglect
Mental illness
Domestic violence
Substance use
Incarceration of a loved one
Parental separation
Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences
ACEs are common across the world. Wisconsin is no different.
Research shows ACEs impact all populations, regardless of identity. But some people have higher rates of ACEs than others. Why? For one, some demographics have higher risk factors. Certain groups are more likely to experience collective and historical trauma, like stigma and systematic racism. Secondly, social determinants of health can determine a population's risk for ACEs. These can include safe housing, educational and financial opportunities, or access to quality health care.
What youth say
According to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, nearly 40% of Wisconsin children have experienced at least one ACE.
- Nearly 25% of Wisconsin youth have experienced separation or divorce within their household.
- Almost 15% of Wisconsin youth have experienced a financial hardship.
- Just over 34% of Wisconsin youth have lived in four or more residences.
- Nearly 20% of Wisconsin youth have been forced to do various sexual acts.
What adults say
According to the Wisconsin Behavioral Health Risk Factor Surveillance System, nearly 60% of Wisconsin adults have reported one or more ACEs.
In Wisconsin, Black and Indigenous populations are more likely to have ACEs than their white, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino peers. Similarly, people who make less money and have less education are more likely to have experienced ACEs than those with more money and education.
Importance of a strong start
ACEs can be passed from generation to generation as if they were genetic. Typically, the parents or caregivers of a child who experiences early adversity faced similar abuse or neglect when they were children, too. This effectively creates a cycle that can last for years.
Breaking the cycle of early adversity
Individuals and communities can prevent ACEs and their impacts on health and wellness.
Strategies for individuals
Encourage:
- Safe, stable, and nurturing relationships with family, friends, and other community members.
- Lifelong learning in school and as a family, including parenting classes.
- Caregiving strategies that bring families closer, like spending quality time together, setting consistent expectations and consequences, and staying calm while solving problems together.
Strategies for communities
Improve:
- Access to economic and financial help, health care, child care.
- Partnerships between the community, the government, private business, health care, and other organizations.
- Factors related to health equity, like access to quality health care.
Strategies for individuals
Encourage:
- Good, healthy relationships.
- Better understanding that it is okay to ask for help and that you are not alone.
Strategies for communities
Improve:
- Opportunities for social connections for all ages and backgrounds.
- Access to social services and other supports for people disproportionately impacted by early adversity.