ACEs
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Types of ACEs and what they mean

  • What is Sexual abuse?

    Child sexual abuse, sometimes called child sex abuse or CSA, is defined by the ACE study as “an adult or person at least five years older than you touching or fondling you or having you touch their body in a sexual way, or trying to or actually having oral, anal, or vaginal sex with you.” There is no perfect definition of child sexual abuse, but this is pretty close. Read More about Sexual abuse>>

  • What is Emotional abuse?

    The ACE study defines emotional abuse as a parent or other adult in the household often swearing at you, insulting you, putting you down, humiliating you, or acting in a way that made you afraid that you might be physically hurt. It’s important to notice the word “often” here; a single instance of parental bad behavior is not enough to cause a lifetime of trauma for children. And the perception of the victim is also important here; it is the victim’s interpretation of the incident rather than the actual incident itself that is important. Read More about Sexual abuse>>

  • What is Physical abuse?

    Physical abuse was found to be the most common ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience) in the original ACE study. It is defined by the ACE study as being frequently pushed, grabbed, slapped, having things thrown at you, or being hit you so hard that you had marks or were injured. Read More about Sexual abuse>>

  • What is Emotional neglect?

    Emotional neglect is defined by the ACE study as often feeling that no one in your family loved you or thought you were important or special, or your family not looking out for each other, feeling close to each other, or supporting each other. Read More about Sexual abuse>>

  • What is Physical neglect?

    The term “physical neglect” means different things to different people, but for the purposes of the ACE study, it means often feeling that you didn’t have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes, and had no one to protect you, or that your parents were too drunk or high to take care of you or take you to the doctor if you needed it. Read More about Sexual abuse>>

  • What is Domestic violence?

    Domestic violence is defined by the ACE study as seeing your mother or stepmother often pushed, grabbed, slapped, or had something thrown at her, sometimes or often kicked, bitten, hit with a fist, or hit with something hard, or ever repeatedly hit over at least a few minutes or threatened with a gun or knife? Read More about Sexual abuse>>

  • Divorce, Separation, and Death?

    The question is very straightforward, “Were your parents ever separated or divorced?”, and in some versions of the study, another question about a parent or caretaker dying is also added. Divorce and separation are one of the more common ACEs, so it’s worth understanding why this is such a life-altering trauma, one that can lead to shorter sicker lives. Read More about Sexual abuse>>

  • What is Parental addiction?

    Living with an addict is an ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience)The ACE study defined parental addiction in a fairly straightforward way “ Did you live with anyone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic or who used street drugs?” Read More about Sexual abuse>>

  • What is Parental Mental illness?

    The ACE study defines parental mental illness as “Was a household member depressed or mentally ill or did a household member attempt suicide?” The point is that a child growing up in the house had to be aware of the parent’s mental illness; There are several layers to parental addiction that make it an ACE. The first is that someone who is addicted, not just a casual user, Read More about Sexual abuse>>

  • Family Member Incarcerated?

    The ACE study’s definition of incarceration, “Did a household member go to prison? “is straightforward, but it’s worth explaining why this is an ACE. Read More about Sexual abuse>>

  • How can my community prevent ACEs?

    It takes a village to raise a child.If the village is knowledgeable about childhood trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), they can spare their children lifelong harm.You can see some things we should all know about how communities can protect children from the consequences of ACEs. Read More about Sexual abuse>>

Do you or your children have ACEs?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) prevent us from leading healthy and happy lives. Are you ready to take the ACE test?

Check your ACE scoreMore about ACEs

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© 2023 Smart Future Foundation. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this site or by the representatives of Smart Future Foundation is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as personal medical advice or counseling. In order to receive the best care possible, please, contact your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis, and prior to making any dietary, lifestyle, or other changes. Representatives for Smart Future Foundation are not licensed therapists.

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Smart Future Foundation is a 503(c)3. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
EIN: 88-3349476 

© 2023 Smart Future Foundation. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this site or by the representatives of Smart Future Foundation is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as personal medical advice or counseling. In order to receive the best care possible, please, contact your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis, and prior to making any dietary, lifestyle, or other changes. Representatives for Smart Future Foundation are not licensed therapists.