ACE Report 1
Adults in Wales who were physically or sexually abused as children or brought up in households where there was domestic violence, alcohol or drug abuse are more likely to adopt health-harming and anti-social behaviours in adult life.
Results from the first Welsh Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) study
show that suffering four or more harmful experiences in childhood increases the chances of high-risk drinking in adulthood by four times, being a smoker by six times and being involved in violence in the last year by around 14 times.The survey revealed around one in every seven adults aged 18-69 years in Wales had experienced four or more Adverse Childhood Experiences during their childhood and just under half had experienced at least one.
The report also estimates the burden of health-harming behaviours on the NHS that could have been avoided if Adverse Childhood Experiences were prevented across Wales.
Professor Mark Bellis, Director of Policy, Research and International Development in Public Health Wales said: "So many of the health problems we see in adults have their roots in childhood.
"The report shows that providing safe and nurturing environments for every child in Wales is the best way to ensure we raise healthier and happier adults who contribute to their communities and the economy.
"This is one of the reasons why Public Health Wales is focusing on early years as a priority area for action with partners.
"By stopping abuse, neglect and other harmful experiences faced by children we could prevent around a third of all high-risk drinking, a quarter of smoking and as much as 60 per cent of violence in adults."
The results from this survey contribute to a growing body of research that shows a strong link between Adverse Child Experiences and links with poor physical and mental health, chronic disease, lower educational achievement and lower economic success in adulthood.
Rt Hon Alun Michael, Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales Police, said: "This report is yet another clear signal to every profession and every public body that it is vital to tackle the root causes of harm and adversity instead of struggling to pick up pieces when it is far too late.
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"This new piece of work injects fresh urgency into the early intervention agenda and it’s vitally important that we all respond positively and effectively."As a professional youth worker I saw far too many youngsters whose childhood had been ruined by a bad start in life instead of growing up in a happy, loving environment.
"Sadly the police are faced day in and day out with the consequences – but there does seem to be a fresh sense of purpose across the public sector in Wales today, and that is why we are working closely with Public Health Wales to promote early intervention and prompt positive action.
"I’m delighted that there has been such a positive response to our work with GPs and hospital based staff in identifying and supporting victims of domestic violence.
"It’s not just that much of the demand faced by our police officers today involves responding to families and individuals experiencing these kind of adversities, it’s that a proactive approach can prevent much of the misery that is caused.
"By putting early intervention and joint working in the heart of the new Police and Crime Plan for South Wales, we want to ensure that our officers are part of an action to intervene earlier and more effectively."
Professor Mark Bellis added: "We urge anyone with an interest in improving the health of the Welsh population to take note of what this study tells us and identify the steps they can take to give every child in Wales the best start in life."
Further reports from this survey will detail how Adverse Childhood Experiences in Wales are associated with chronic ill health in later life such as the development of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and ultimately premature death.
