ACES and the Science of Child Trauma

The adverse childhood experiences (ACES) are the single greatest unaddressed public health threat facing our nation today.

Dr. Robert Block, former President of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Domestically, public health officials have been aware of the science of childhood trauma, whether it be related to gun violence, mass incarceration or domestic violence. Much of this science is based on the CDC’s/Kaiser Permanente’s Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study. ACES is the largest public health study and revealed that ACES are a major risk factors for the leading causes of illness, disability and death as well as poor quality of life in the United States.

While the impact of ACES is well-known among educational and public health professionals, it is not as well-known among elected officials and peace activists.

Peace Action Montgomery is engaged in a campaign to make the ACES study a framework for international activism, particularly related to war and other violence abroad.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Susan Kerin at susan@peaceactionmontgomery.org about initiating an ACES interface training.