I preach at a correction center each week and in preparing my presentations it is important to know what Biblical subjects are most relevant to the group. I don't want to try and sell sandals, shorts and tank tops to Eskimos. We asked if the inmates would be willing to take this test and turn in just the score and we would then tally the results. They were eager to take the test, and as I expected the results were way higher than average. 92.7% had experienced one or more of the listed abuses and 9% had experienced all ten.  50% of those polled in my state scored zero. Take the test and see how you do.

The Adverse Childhood Experience test (ACE) is a test is given to help determine those at risk of ongoing social and emotional problems. It reveals staggering proof of the health, social and economic risks that result from childhood trauma.

The higher the Adverse childhood experiences, the greater the likelihood of --

• Depression, suicide, being violent and a victim of violence;
• More types of trauma increased the risk of health, social and emotional problems.
• Chronic diseases including heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes and many autoimmune diseases.
• People usually experience more than one type of trauma – rarely is it only sex abuse or only verbal abuse.

Finding Your ACE Score

Prior to your 18th birthday:

1.    Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often… Swear at you, insult you, put you down, or humiliate you? or Act in a way that made you afraid that you might be physically hurt?
No___If Yes, enter 1 __

2.    Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often… Push, grab, slap, or throw something at you? or Ever hit you so hard that you had marks or were injured?
No___If Yes, enter 1 __

3.    Did an adult or person at least 5 years older than you ever… Touch or fondle you or have you touch their body in a sexual way? or Attempt or actually have oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with you?
No___If Yes, enter 1 __

4.    Did you often or very often feel that … No one in your family loved you or thought you were important or special? or Your family didn’t look out for each other, feel close to each other, or support each other?
No___If Yes, enter 1 __

5.    Did you often or very often feel that … You didn’t have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes, and had no one to protect you? or Your parents were too drunk or high to take care of you or take you to the doctor if you needed it?
No___If Yes, enter 1 __

6.    Were your parents ever separated or divorced?
No___If Yes, enter 1 __

7.    Was your mother or stepmother:
Often or very often pushed, grabbed, slapped, or had something thrown at her? or Sometimes, often, or very often kicked, bitten, hit with a fist, or hit with something hard? or Ever repeatedly hit over at least a few minutes or threatened with a gun or knife?
No___If Yes, enter 1 __

8.    Did you live with anyone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic, or who used street drugs?
No___If Yes, enter 1 __

9.    Was a household member depressed or mentally ill, or did a household member attempt suicide?                        No___If Yes, enter 1 __

10. Did a household member go to prison?
No___If Yes, enter 1 __                                                                                                             Now add up your “Yes” answers: _ This is your ACE Score