Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in South Carolina
Understanding the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences
The long-term health impact of childhood adversity proves the importance of prevention.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur in a child’s life before the age of 18 and can have a lasting impact on health and well-being throughout a person’s life. These experiences can harm a child’s brain and its development, which lead to long-term negative health and social outcomes.
What are ACEs
ACEs encompass various stressful or harmful situations that children may encounter in their homes or communities.
Common examples include:
- Experiencing or witnessing violence
- Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
- Growing up in a household with substance abuse, mental illness or incarceration
- Parental separation or divorce
- Chronic neglect
Why ACEs Matter
Decades of research show that the more ACEs a person experiences, the greater their risk for a wide range of health problems, including:
- Depression and anxiety
- Substance use disorders
- Heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions
- Difficulty in school or at work
- Risky behaviors and poor decision-making
However, ACEs are not destiny. Individuals can build resilience and lead healthy, fulfilling lives with the right support.
Healing and Hope
Understanding ACEs is the first step in breaking the cycle. Supportive relationships, trauma-informed care and community resources can help both children and adults heal.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, healthcare provider or community member, you can make a difference by fostering safe, stable and nurturing environments for every child.
Children’s Trust provides a range of training resources on ACEs and Building Resilience.
Know Your Data
%
of South Carolina adults have reported one ACE as a child
%
of South Carolina adults have reported two or more ACE's
%