Description of Indicator
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). For example:
experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect
witnessing violence in the home or community
having a family member attempt or die by suicide
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship. “Intimate partner” refers to both current and former spouses and dating partners. IPV can vary in how often it happens and how severe it is.
This indicator tracks those in Pennsylvania who have experienced an adverse childhood experience or intimate partner violence, broken down by gender, age, education, household income, race, and sexual orientation.
Why is it Important?
Adverse childhood experiences and intimate partner violence have unique negative effects on victims and families. In addition to physical consequences, without the appropriate support, adverse childhood experiences and intimate partner violence can have serious emotional and psychological damage, which hurts an individual’s quality of life and ability to participate in society and perform at work.
How is the Region Performing?
Generally, females experience higher shares across all ACE and IPV indicators as well those individuals in the age brackets of 18-29 and 30-44. Those with less than a high school education have higher rates of being a problem drinker or alcoholic, using illegal drugs or abusing prescriptions, or being sentenced to serve time in prison. Additionally, lower household income levels are associated with higher rates of problem drinking, illegal drug use, incarceration, or experiencing intimate partner violence.
