​ACEs are recurrent, stressful experiences occurring in childhood that affect a child either directly (e.g. child abuse and neglect) or indirectly through the environment in which they live (e.g. exposure to domestic abuse, parental mental illness, substance misuse or incarceration). They are often carried forward through ancestral and family patterns that recreate the same experiences - which is why it is so important that we create compassionate and trauma-aware communities. The most important thing any community can do for its own long-term wellbeing is to prevent the reoccurrence of ACES.

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ACEs are the single biggest predictor of later aggression, depression, criminal behaviour, ill health and poor levels of achievement.  ​​Click here to see the Impact of ACEs
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The evidence shows us that the single most important thing to build resilience and prevent ACES is for children to experience stable, nurturing and positive relationships