• ACE’s are traumatic events in childhood such as abuse, neglect or events that negatively affect the household functioning such as domestic abuse. ACE’s can have a negative impact on a child’s future. High toxic stress environments have a damaging effect on a child’s brain, body and behaviour.

• Children who suffer many ACE’s are more likely to have health problems in adulthood such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer. The cumulative effect of repeated ACEs in childhood can also result in unemployment, substance misuse and violence in adulthood along with other poor social outcomes. Repeated ACE’s also shortens life expectancy. Fortunately with positive and supportive relationships the tragic affects of ACE’s can be reversed.

• It is helpful to remember, not all children in your congregation attend church with their parents and some families may be new to your congregation therefore, you might not know the family history or the trauma the child has been victim to. It is important to be sensitive to each child as you may not know the experiences they have had or what might be impacting their behaviour.

• Here’s another helpful video to help you to understand the impact of domestic abuse on a young child. Warning this video contains shouting and discusses abuse.