By Mike Cook, April 28, 2020, Las Cruces Bulletin.
Even as COVID-19 stay-at-home orders are causing unintended spikes in child abuse and domestic violence, Las Cruces and the state of New Mexico continue as national leaders in the fight against these and other adverse childhood experiences (ACES). The state office overseeing that effort is moving to New Mexico State University.
ACES include experiences before age 18 like physical and sexual abuse, neglect and living in an environment of parental conflict, substance abuse and violence.
An ACES score of three or higher has been found to “have devastating effects on the future health and prosperity of children,” said state Sen. Bill Soules of Las Cruces, who has a Ph.D. in education and psychology and is chair of the New Mexico Senate Education Committee. Higher ACES scores correspond to lifespans reduced by as much as 20 years. (Take the 10-question survey at www.annaageeight.org/the-problem to determine your ACES score.)
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