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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Banner Image stating, 2 in 3 people in St. Mary's County have experienced an Adverse Childhood Experience.

What are ACEs

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that happen in childhood. Experiencing childhood adversity or trauma can cause what’s known as Toxic Stress. Toxic Stress impacts brain development, learning and health.

ACEs Can Include:

Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Neglect
Household Violence
Family Substance Abuse
Family Mental Illness
Bullying
Parent Incarceration
Witnessing Violence
Natural Disaster
Homelessness
Discrimination & Racism

ACEs Can Lead To:

Heart Disease
Liver Disease
Mental Health Issues
Depression
Suicide
Alcohol Abuse
Drug Abuse
Smoking
Domestic Violence
Unplanned Pregnancy
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Chronic Diseases (diabetes, cancer, etc.)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases

ACEs in St. Mary’s County

The ACEs dashboard provides key data about the occurrence of ACEs in St. Mary’s County, including data related to household substance use, sexual abuse, household mental illness, incarcerated household members, parental separation or divorce, intimate partner violence, and emotional and/or physical abuse.

Infographic about ACES in St. Mary's County. Most common ACES in St. Mary's County Maryland.

Emotional Abuse 41%.
Household Substance Abuse 31%.
Parental Separation or Divorce 29%.
Infographic about long term health consequences of ACES. Common health problems are chronic and autoimmune diseases and mental health disorders. 

The infographic shows prevalence of ACES in St. Mary's County vs the rest of Maryland.
0 ACES: 38.2% for Maryland, 35.5% for SMC.
1-2 ACES: 38.5% for Maryland, 35.3% for SMC.
3+ ACES: 23% for Maryland, 29.2% for SMC.

What Can I Do

Contact Us

Email: smchd.lbha@maryland.gov
Main Line: (301) 475-4330

Additional Resources

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