ACEs is the term given to describe all types of abuse, neglect, and other traumatic experiences that occur to individuals under the age of 18.  The landmark Kaiser ACE Study examined the relationship between these experiences during childhood and reduced health and well-being later in life.

Simply put, our childhood experiences have a tremendous, lifelong impact on our health and the quality of our lives.  The ACE Study showed dramatic links between adverse childhood experiences and risky behavior, psychological issues, serious illness and the leading causes of death.                                                                   - vedtoviolence.cdc.gov