Folks who live through adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may not want to talk openly about their history. This is entirely understandable: silence can be powerful and many people who value privacy would rather work through their ACEs in a confidential setting.
However, the global stigma that surrounds ACEs can derail efforts to end childhood trauma and censor those who have been through an adverse experience.
Breaking the silence is an important mission for all who want to live in a more inclusive, progressive society. However, a conscientious approach is necessary to ensure that folks who have a history of ACEs feel supported and welcomed in discussions that may cause their trauma to resurface. Here are a few strategies that can be used to raise awareness without causing more harm.
Public Campaigns
Public campaigns to end childhood trauma are pivotal if we want to better support those who have been through ACEs. National initiatives to raise ACEs awareness usually receive state funding, too, which can amplify the message and bring more talented philanthropists into the fold.
For example, the recent Number Story campaign partnered with the State of California to bring in celebrities like Camillo Cabello and Oprah Winfrey. The initiative taught 150,000 site visitors about ACEs and helped improve awareness around childhood trauma.
Health Care
Physicians play a crucial role in mitigating childhood trauma and are central to recovery. However, the recent physician shortage means that we are ill-prepared to support those who seek help.
We must respond to the physician shortage with increased public funding and improved ACEs training in all healthcare settings. Well-trained primary care providers can break the cycle of trauma and are well-positioned to raise community-wide awareness of ACEs in their area.
Storytelling and Representation
Many coming-of-age stories depict ACEs, but few are written with survivors in mind. While viewers hold little sway in writing rooms, public organizations can improve representation by sponsoring screenings of films like James Redford’s “Resilience” and “Paper Tigers”.
A single film alone cannot change public perception of ACEs, but it may cause an avalanche of positive action. Those who are moved by screenings of ACEs films may be more receptive to discussing pertinent issues and could be more likely to support public partnerships.
Podcasts
Film is a powerful medium for visual storytelling. However, many people who have experienced ACEs may not want their public persona associated with their childhood trauma.
Podcasts are the perfect platform for anyone who wants to raise awareness while retaining their public privacy. As an audio-only platform, folks can use a voice-changing program to speak freely without fear of being publicly recognized.
Creating a podcast is easy, too. Producers simply need a clear topic and a social media account to start recording and promoting the interviews they gather from other folks who have lived through ACEs.
Partnerships with Organizations
Wide-spread support for ACEs survivors can be garnered through strategic public partnerships and funding that are designed to raise awareness.
Organizations that want to support ACEs awareness can help by donating funds and sponsoring events that raise awareness about childhood trauma. This is particularly important today, as many people have not been able to make charitable donations due to the global economic downturn.
Material Support
Folks who live through ACEs have to shoulder a significant financial strain in addition to their trauma. In California alone, the financial cost of ACEs is around $113 billion.
Those who want to help ACEs survivors share their stories can provide material support that funds therapy sessions and education programs. Material contributions give ACE survivors the resources they need to build resilience and may help folks gain the tools they need to share their stories and raise awareness.
Community Events
Community events are the cornerstone of awareness-raising initiatives. Feel-good events get people talking and can help ACEs advocate network with future donors and partners.
Before sending off invitations, organizers should make every effort to promote inclusion at the event. Even simple steps, like creating accessible entrances and quiet zones, can help folks feel welcome. This is particularly important at an ACEs event, where some people may be feeling nervous in a large public crowd.
Social Media
Social media is the perfect tool for anyone who wants to share pertinent information and raise awareness. Social pages like PACEs Connection’s Instagram can also advertise upcoming events and highlight the hard work of community leaders.
However, before pressing send on a Tweet or post, it is important to fact-check any stats or figures. Misinformation is rife online, meaning ACEs accounts should only share verified information from trusted sources.
Training
Folks who want to raise awareness of ACEs should seriously consider ACEs training before becoming an advocate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even sponsors a free Veto Violence training program that helps folks identify the signs of ACEs and effectively respond to common forms of childhood trauma.
Even veterans of the ACEs community should seek re-training and further education. Emerging research is constantly changing our understanding of childhood trauma. Staying up to date with the latest in PACEs science helps advocates can better understand the biology behind trauma and can help break the generational cycle of trauma.
Trauma and Community
Trauma-informed communities can support children who live through ACEs and help adult survivors get the support they need. Progressive communities can develop safe environments to talk about ACEs, too, which is essential if we want to break the silence that surrounds childhood trauma.
Folks may discover ACE support through any number of community-based groups. This means that we need an ecosystem of initiatives for ACEs awareness to improve. This means that every school, church, sports club, and youth group should have trauma-informed adults ready to raise awareness and support their community.
Conclusion
The silence that surrounds ACEs is a serious issue for all that wish to raise awareness about childhood trauma. Breaking the stigma is challenging but, with the right support, trauma-informed communities can leverage powerful strategies to start hosting more productive conversations.
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