Adverse Childhood Experiences

Shown from front, a diverse group of children linking arms around each other in an open field with sun and trees in the background

Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, can impact long-term health, well-being, and opportunities across the lifespan.

ACEs are common and the effects can add up over time.

61% of adults
surveyed across 25 states reported they had experienced at least one ACE

1 in 6 adults
reported they had experienced four or more ACEs

1.9 million
cases of heart disease could have potentially been avoided by preventing ACEs

Our Goal

CDC is committed to preventing and responding to ACEs at the community, state, and national level so that all people can achieve lifelong health and wellbeing. Our goal is to create the conditions for strong, thriving families and communities where children and youth are free from harm.

ACEs Can Be Prevented

Steps We Can Take to Prevent ACEs

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Strengthen economic supports for families
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Promote social norms that protect against violence and adversity
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Ensure a strong start for children
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Teach skills for healthy communication and relationships
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Connect youth to caring adults and activities
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Intervene to lessen immediate and long-term harms

Related Topics

Fast Facts:

Find definitions, statistics, and consequences of ACEs.

Data and Resources:

Find out more about the groundbreaking CDC-Kaiser ACE study, state-level data, and other ACEs-related research.

Preventing ACEs:

ACEs and their associated harms are preventable. Preventing ACEs can help all children reach their full health and life potential.

Funding Opportunities:

Did you know the Injury Center funds ACEs prevention work across the country? Learn more about CDC’s funded work.

ACEs Can Be Prevented

Leveraging Evidence to Prevent ACEs

Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Leveraging the Best Available Evidence pdf icon[4 MB, 40 Pages]
This is a resource to help states and communities leverage the best available evidence to prevent ACEs from happening in the first place as well as lessen harms when ACEs do occur. It features six strategies drawn from the CDC Technical Packages to Prevent Violence.

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Page last reviewed: October 20, 2020

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control