Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Traumatic events that happen in childhood leading to toxic stress
What are ACEs?
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that happen in childhood. Experiencing childhood adversity or trauma can cause what’s known as Toxic Stress. Toxic Stress impacts brain development, learning, and health.
ACEs Can Include:
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Emotional Abuse
- Neglect
- Household Violence
- Family Substance Abuse
- Family Mental Illness
- Bullying
- Parent Incarceration
- Witnessing Violence
- Natural Disaster
- Homelessness
- Discrimination & Racism
ACEs Can Lead To:
- Heart Disease
- Liver Disease
- Mental Health Issues
- Depression
- Suicide
- Alcohol Abuse
- Drug Abuse
- Smoking
- Domestic Violence
- Unplanned Pregnancy
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Chronic Diseases (diabetes, cancer, etc.)
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
ACEs in St. Mary's County
The ACEs dashboard provides key data about the occurrence of ACEs in St. Mary’s County, including data related to household substance use, sexual abuse, household mental illness, incarcerated household members, parental separation or divorce, intimate partner violence, and emotional and/or physical abuse.
What Can I Do?
- Become a youth mentor
- Build up protective factors in your family and community
- Join the Violence, Injury, and Trauma (VIT) action team of the Healthy St. Mary’s Partnership to support community action to address ACEs
Connect With Us
General Office Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
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Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Environmental Health Hours:
Mon & Thurs: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tues, Wed, & Fri: 7:00 am – 4:30 pm
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