Join our empathy-driven series on ACEs, designed to inspire change and awaken compassion through a scientifically influenced approach. 

Everyone globally must become informed about the 15 categories of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to prevent them. Increasing understanding of how early life traumas impact behavior in both children and adults can decrease prejudice, activate empathy, foster compassion, and encourage individuals to pursue professional help.

Category #2, Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence, must be acknowledged as an ACE to effectively prevent future incidents and break generational cycles of such relationships. Comprehending ACEs within DV/IPV contexts is crucial for healing, prevention, and intervention, requiring careful management to enhance benefits and reduce risks.

The community holds the solution to ACEs, which is why our POP-UP Interactive Learning and "Skill-Stacking" series aims to create that bridge.

ACEs Matter is thrilled to be participating in the 2024 “She Is L.O.V.E.D. Luncheon Celebration” on June 22nd in Altamonte Springs, Florida, in honor of disrupting the cycle of trauma caused by domestic violence, which is an Adverse Childhood Experience.

This invite-only event will be held at the Towneplace Suites By Marriott, located at 151 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL. Join us for a beautiful afternoon of fun, sisterhood, laughter, and healing.

To make the event even more memorable, we are excited to have The Photobooth Co on site with their Digital Photo Booth! Take a selfie or grab a photo with friends and send it to yourself instantly!

We look forward to seeing you all on the 22nd!

On January 28th, 2023, 41-year-old Yolanda Kelly, a mother of two, tragically lost her life in a domestic violence incident in Texas. She was a single mother to two daughters, one of whom is a special needs teen in a wheelchair.

Their grandmother, Carmita Kelly, has stepped in to care for them. Carmita is using her experience and voice to support others who may be in similar situations.

We encourage you to help support this program by donating. 

Click the link below to contribute and make a difference.

Registration to join the RIB TRIBE can be found here, limited seats available
https://bit.ly/The2024RibTRIBE

Can't Attend but want to contribute, donate below!
https://bit.ly/RIBTRIBEDONATION

A health professional's personal experiences profoundly shape the way they understand and approach their work and interact with people receiving treatment. For people who have endured adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), healthcare careers can be both challenging and deeply enriching. In this article, we'll explore what it means to be a health professional with ACEs, look at the hurdles and benefits, and offer insights into navigating the journey successfully.

While I couldn't find specific data on the percentage of health professionals with ACEs, I'm willing to bet and research suggests that it's a significant portion. Their experiences can be motivation for why they chose to do what they do. One study said:

Studies like the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente determined that ACEs are widespread among the general population. So, it's logical to posit that ACEs are prevalent among individuals in healthcare as well. For health professionals, having lived through ACEs can bring a unique source of empathy, insight, and understanding to their work. However, it can also bring some potential obstacles.

Some concerns health professionals with ACEs need to be aware of include:

Triggering of Personal Trauma:

Interactions with patients who have had similar experiences or hearing about traumatic events may trigger unresolved trauma. This can lead to emotional distress, re-traumatization also known as vicarious trauma.

Countertransference:They may experience countertransference, where their own unresolved issues unintentionally influence their perceptions, feelings, and reactions towards people receiving treatment. This can potentially hinder their ability to provide objective, successful services.

Boundary Issues: ACEs can impact a person's ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries. This can show up as either overinvolvement or detachment in professional relationships.

Self-care Challenges: Coping mechanisms developed in response to childhood trauma, such as dissociation or avoidance, can interfere with a health professional's necessary self-care practices. Without them, a person is at risk of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma.

Impaired Judgment: In some instances, ACEs can affect a health professional's decision-making abilities and impair judgment. This could impact clinical assessments, treatment planning, and ethical considerations.

Interpersonal Relationships: ACEs may influence interpersonal dynamics, causing difficulties in forming healthy relationships with colleagues, supervisors, or patients.

Resilience: Conversely, having experienced adversity may also provide a health practitioner with unique empathy for and insights into people receiving treatment. This perspective could allow them to connect more deeply and facilitate healing.

Self-Care Is an Essential Ingredient

​While being a health professional with ACEs presents unique challenges, there are strategies you can employ to navigate the role effectively and take care of yourself.
The answer is self-care.

When you think of self-care, bubble baths, massages, your favorite foods, and binge-watching Netflix all day might come to mind. While those things can be occasional ingredients of self-care, it's really about much more than just finding ways to pamper yourself and relax.

Self-care also entails much less glamorous but no less important items, like setting boundaries, learning to say “no,” feeding your body nutritious food, exercising, getting enough sleep, practicing gratitude, utilizing stress relief techniques, and more. Self-care means taking the time to do things that are going to help ensure your quality of life and ability to perform your healthcare job to the best of your ability.

Prioritizing self-care empowers healthcare professionals to better integrate trauma-informed solutions by preventing compassion fatigue. Regular activities that promote relaxation and personal well-being are key.

Other Strategies for a Health Professional with ACEs

Here's some practical strategies to do that will also help:

Self-awareness and Reflection: Prioritize self-awareness by regularly reflecting on your personal triggers, emotional responses, and biases that may arise during patient interactions. It can help to cultivate mindfulness practices to recognize when countertransference reactions, triggers, or boundary issues emerge.

Personal Therapy and Support: It is advisable for any healthcare professional, especially one with ACEs, to engage in ongoing personal therapy or counseling. Seeking support from trusted colleagues, friends, or support groups to process any challenging emotions and experiences that come up.

Supervision and Consultation: Participate in regular supervision or consultation with an experienced supervisor or colleague who can provide you objective guidance, feedback, and perspective on managing countertransference, triggers, and boundary issues. Use supervision sessions to explore personal reactions and ensure therapeutic effectiveness.

Continuing Education and Training: Stay up-to-date through continuous education and training about trauma-informed care, boundary setting, and ethical guidelines. Enhance your knowledge and skills in trauma therapy approaches and therapeutic techniques that promote safety and empowerment.

Establish Clear Boundaries: Maintain clear and consistent boundaries to prevent overinvolvement, boundary violations, or enmeshment. Communicate boundaries clearly and respectfully, while remaining empathetic and supportive in therapeutic interactions.

Consultation with Colleagues: Collaborate with colleagues or seek consultation from experts in trauma therapy when encountering complex cases or challenges related to countertransference, triggers, or boundary issues. Share experiences, seek advice, and brainstorm strategies for managing difficult situations effectively.

Regular Self-assessment: Conduct regular self-assessment to evaluate your own emotional readiness, capacity, and professional competence to provide therapy effectively. Recognize when personal factors may impact therapeutic effectiveness and take appropriate steps to address them.

By integrating these strategies into their practice, health professionals with ACEs can navigate providing the highest standard of care while minimizing the risk of countertransference, triggers, boundary issues, and impaired judgment. This approach promotes therapeutic effectiveness, ethical practice, and personal well-being.

Volunteering Can Help Health Professionals with ACEs HealFor health professionals with ACEs, it's worth incorporating known ways to heal beyond the clinical setting. Studies show that volunteering or participating in advocacy work can help people overcome ACEs by providing fulfillment, fostering connection, enhancing resilience, and contributing to overall well being.  

Whether it's volunteering at local community centers, participating in mentorship programs, or supporting policies that address ACEs and their impact, health professionals with ACEs can play a vital role in creating positive change in the lives of others and in their communities while reaping mental health benefits themselves. 

Conclusion

Being a health professional with past trauma is a journey that requires extra vigilance, self-awareness, resilience, and willingness for ongoing growth. By acknowledging the challenges faced and implementing strategies to address them, a health professional with ACEs can fulfill their role effectively, better meet the needs of people receiving treatment and honor their own healing in the process. In fact, having your own ACEs can empower you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Under the unforgiving sun, Marietta's hands, calloused from countless battles with garden weeds and playground fixes, moved with purpose as she transformed an abandoned lot into a sanctuary. Her heart, a fortress of compassion, had once known adversity in its rawest form, but today, it thrummed with the rhythm of hope. She was among the 77% of volunteers who descended from early life adversities, a mirror to the 43% of social workers who cited personal experiences as the beacon guiding them to their vocation.

As squeals of laughter danced in the air from children too young to understand the violence that once plagued their streets, Marietta watched the effects of her work ripple through the community. A little boy with a history etched in the silence between his words picked up a toy truck and began to help, his actions speaking volumes of the trust and safety he felt under the wings of these guardian angels. Volunteers like Marietta, fueled by the same fire that powers 52% of the workforce targeting the cycle of violence, knew the battleground well—a terrain of broken homes and lost dreams where their triumphs were measured in small victories and whispered 'thank yous.'

In the spirit of Nike's timeless motto, "Just Do It," we recognize the power of action in the face of adversity. Many grassroots nonprofits struggle to survive beyond their second and third years due to financial and resource constraints. However, it's thanks to the dedication of volunteers nationwide that ACEs Matter is approaching its fourth anniversary this coming May 27th. These volunteers embodied the spirit of "Let's Do It," choosing to forge ahead even when financial and material resources were scarce. They turned challenges into opportunities, exemplifying that sometimes we must start without worrying about achieving perfection or securing ample funding.

Our focus at ACEs Matter is on spreading awareness about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in every community. The essence of our mission resonates with the idea of just doing it—taking action even when the rewards aren't immediate, trusting that our efforts will yield positive outcomes in the long run. Volunteers like Marietta, who tirelessly work to transform spaces and lives, are the backbone of our organization. They have seen firsthand the challenges faced by those we help, and they've decided that stepping up and making a difference is crucial, no matter the hurdles.

You can join us in this vital work. Whether by volunteering your time or donating funds, you can help ensure that ACEs Matter continues to thrive and make a difference. Together, we can keep the momentum going, proving that action often speaks louder than words and that sometimes, you just have to "Do It" and believe that the results will follow.

🔍🕊️ Philanthropists of Time: 

Meet Tiffany West, an ACEs Matter Knowledge Philanthropist. Tiffany highlights the importance of attuning to our body’s language as a key component of achieving optimal well-being.

During National Volunteer Month, we celebrate individuals like Tiffany West for their substantial contributions of time, expertise, and enthusiasm toward fostering a better world.

Tiffany is the founder of Interior Health Design LLC and offers her guidance in understanding how to nurture the nervous system through complimentary Zoom Room sessions at her website, http://www.tiffanycoachme.com/.

In April, join us for "Nurture Your Nervous System," a conversation with Tiffany West, where we’ll explore the crucial role of emotional empowerment. To watch the enlightening interview, visit: https://youtu.be/Hq8bTfxzYxs

✨ Make a Difference: Become a Time Philanthropist by volunteering at https://www.acesmatter.org 

Together, we can create positive change!

Traumatic brain injuries are a public health issue of increasing concern as a significant cause of disability and death in children. According to the CDC, traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in disturbed brain functioning due to a “bump, blow, or jolt to the head.” Shaken baby syndrome is one of the well-documented forms of childhood abuse, which occurs when an adult shakes a baby in anger or frustration. As a result, children may suffer some seizures, delayed development, poor eyesight or blindness, and in some cases, death. TBI can impact a child’s social, cognitive, and sexual development, causing the individual to display “challenging” behaviors in adulthood.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) cause brain impairment similar to impairment caused by TBI. The study of ACES has brought awareness to how physical and mental health is impacted in adulthood and brings a deeper understanding of the criminal statistics due to childhood mistreatment or TBI.

With each additional ACE, a child is at an increased risk of developmental, physical, and mental health challenges. This is due to executive functioning being impaired, causing a loss of impulse control, problem-solving, and decision-making. Both ACES and TBI have been linked to pedophilic interests and other inappropriate sexual behaviors.

Between 3.5 to 9% of individuals display sexually offensive behavior post-TBI, and sexual offenders report having experienced many ACES. This informs the barriers that may be present in treatment, as adulthood behaviors may stem from childhood adversity, as society focuses on punishing and not rehabilitating those with brain impairment. Understanding the research on brain trauma and ACEs helps us assist in transitioning our mentalities from “What is wrong with you?” To “What happened to you?”

The Relationship Between Dementia and ACES

ACEs change the structure and functioning of the brain and impact an individual throughout their life. A study in Japan has found that individuals reporting 3 or more ACEs are at the highest risk of developing dementia. An American study found similar results being able to estimate the probability of positive dementia screening with adults aged 64-74 who had experienced 4 or more ACEs.

ACEs impair memory and cognition, and early life stress has also been linked to chronic illness.

It's essential to recognize that while symptomatic overlap exists between ACEs, TBI, and dementia, their underlying causes and trajectories differ. Moreover, not all individuals with a history of ACEs or TBI will develop dementia, and vice versa.

Chart Observation: Symptoms OVERLAP - Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) & Dementia

​Places to start looking for help

• Black Mental Health Alliance
  
• Office of Minority Health (OMH) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
  
• Organizations listed under Black Mental Health Resources here
  

References

1. Agos, J. (2020, July 15). Racial Trauma in The Black Community Could Have Generational Effects. WITF.
   
2. Ambellu, G. (2021, May 3). Intergenerational Trauma’s Impact on Black People’s Perception of The American Healthcare System. Healers And Patients In North Carolina. 
   
3. Anon. (2020, February 3). Stopping Generational Trauma in Communities of Color. Daily Sundial.
   

An oversimplified way of restating Sex Trafficking: Sex work is a means to an end. A way of survival when the systems and 'family of origin' has failed.
​
Human trafficking and intergenerational trauma are two topics that seem distantly related but are more closely intertwined than you may believe. This article will discuss the common connections between intergenerational trauma and human trafficking, as well as what you can do to support those who are impacted by these problems, whether they be you or someone else.

Check out our latest interview with the Founder of ACEs Matter, Cendie Stanford and Julie Chapus, discussing the topic.
https://youtu.be/jl_P26ihN_c?si=t7CSLPVtOy54htPX

What is Human Trafficking?According to the U.S. Department of Justice, human trafficking is defined as “a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts.” Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery that violates the human rights and dignity of millions of people around the world.

There are no defining characteristics of a victim of human trafficking since it can happen to anyone, regardless of their background or gender. However, some factors that can increase the risk of being trafficked include:

• Having experience with the law, such as being arrested, detained, or deported (ACEs)
• Being vulnerable, such as being homeless, poor, or addicted to drugs or alcohol (ACEs)
• Belonging to a minority group, such as being a person of color, LGBTQ+, or an immigrant (ACEs)
• Having recently immigrated to the U.S., especially without proper documentation or support (ACEs)

The U.S. DOJ is working to eradicate human trafficking through various initiatives, such as:

• Conducting investigations and prosecutions of human traffickers and their networks
• Providing services and support for victims and survivors of human trafficking, such as shelter, counseling, medical care, and legal assistance
• Offering training and education for law enforcement, health care, social service, and other professionals who may encounter human trafficking situations
• Implementing enforcement and outreach strategies to prevent and deter human trafficking, such as raising awareness, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing coordination

You can learn more about human trafficking and how to report it on the U.S. DOJ website.
What is Intergenerational Trauma?Intergenerational trauma is defined as trauma that has a ripple effect on generations, according to Evan Starkman of WebMD.com. Starkman writes that intergenerational trauma can start with either personal trauma, such as abuse, or trauma within a wider scope of cultural or ethnic groups, such as genocide, slavery, or colonization.

​The long-term effects of intergenerational trauma (ACEs)can include:

• Shame, anxiety, and guilt
• Vulnerability, low self-esteem, and poor self-image
• Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal thoughts
• Substance abuse, addiction, and self-harm
• Difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships
• Chronic physical and mental health problems

Even though more research is needed to understand and combat intergenerational trauma, it helps to seek out the care of a licensed therapist. A therapist can work through your trauma by recommending self-care techniques, providing anger management, and helping you recognize and cope with triggers.
You can also benefit from trauma-informed care, which is an approach that acknowledges the impact of trauma on individuals and communities and provides services and support that are respectful, compassionate, and empowering. Trauma-informed care can be found in various settings, such as health care, education, social service, and justice.

You can learn more about intergenerational trauma and how to find help on the WebMD website.
How are Human Trafficking and Intergenerational Trauma Connected?Human trafficking and intergenerational trauma can coexist, namely with vulnerability. People who have experienced or inherited trauma may be more vulnerable to being trafficked, as they may lack the resources, support, and self-esteem to protect themselves from exploitation.

Conversely, people who have been trafficked may experience or pass on trauma to their children or future generations, as they may struggle with the physical, emotional, and psychological consequences of their ordeal.
Therefore, it is important to address both human trafficking and intergenerational trauma with a holistic and integrated approach that considers the individual and collective needs and strengths of the affected people and communities. Some of the ways to do this include:

• Providing trauma-informed care that is sensitive, respectful, and empowering
• Offering education and awareness on human trafficking and intergenerational trauma, and how to prevent and report them
• Creating and supporting programs and policies that protect and empower victims and survivors of human trafficking and intergenerational trauma and hold perpetrators accountable
• Building and strengthening networks and partnerships among various stakeholders, such as government, law enforcement, health care, social service, education, and civil society
• Promoting and fostering resilience, healing, and hope among people and communities affected by human trafficking and intergenerational trauma

​How Can You Help Yourself or Others Who Are Affected by Human Trafficking and Intergenerational Trauma?You are not alone if you or someone you know is a victim of intergenerational trauma and human trafficking. There are many resources and options available to help you or others who need assistance. Some of the things you can do include:

• Seeking professional help from a licensed therapist, counselor, or social worker who can provide you with the appropriate care and support
• Contacting a hotline or a helpline, such as the National Human Trafficking Hotline or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which can offer you confidential and free assistance, 24/7
• Reaching out to a local organization or a program, such as ACEs Matter, which can provide you with education, advocacy, and training services
• Exploring your interests and passions, such as art, music, sports, or hobbies that can help you express yourself, cope with stress, and find joy and meaning in life
• Taking care of yourself, physically, mentally, and spiritually, by eating well, sleeping well, exercising regularly, meditating, praying, or doing whatever makes you feel good and healthy

How Can You Learn More About Human Trafficking and Intergenerational Trauma?If you want to learn more about human trafficking and intergenerational trauma, there are many sources of information and inspiration that you can access. Some of the things you can do include:

• Reading books, articles, blogs, or reports, such as The Body Keeps the Score.

• Watching videos, documentaries, movies, or shows, such as TEDx Talks, I Am Jane Doe, or Unbelievable
• Listening to podcasts, audiobooks, music, or radio, such as The Trauma Therapist, The Sun Does Shine, or Freedom United Radio
• Following social media accounts, influencers, or hashtags, such as @acesmatter

How Can You Support Human Trafficking and Intergenerational Trauma Initiatives?If you want to support human trafficking and intergenerational trauma initiatives, there are many ways you can get involved and make a difference. Some of the things you can do include:

• Donating money, goods, or services to organizations or programs that work to prevent, combat, and heal human trafficking and intergenerational trauma, such as ACEs Matter.
• Volunteering your time, skills, or expertise to organizations or programs that work to prevent, combat, and heal human trafficking and intergenerational trauma, such as ACEs Matter.
• Advocating for policies and legislation that protect and empower victims and survivors of human trafficking and intergenerational trauma and hold perpetrators accountable, such as ACEs Matter.
• Raising awareness and educating yourself and others on human trafficking and intergenerational trauma and how to prevent and report them, such as through ACEs Matter.
• Supporting and empowering yourself and others who are affected by human trafficking and intergenerational trauma by offering compassion, empathy, and hope, such as ACEs Matter, Polaris, or Miss Julie's School of Beauty

​Human trafficking and intergenerational trauma are serious and complex issues that affect millions of people and communities around the world. 

However, there is also hope and possibility for change and healing.
​
By learning more about these issues and taking action to help yourself or others, you can be part of the solution and make a positive impact in the world.