State of the Georgia Girl Report

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood when youth directly experience tragedy, such as: • violence, abuse, or neglect; • an environment which undermines their sense of safety, stability, and bonding such as growing up in a household with substance abuse problems; • situations that impact physical well-being such as not having enough food to eat ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024 ). The presence of multiple ACEs throughout a child’s life has been repeatedly linked to short- and long-term negative life outcomes. For example, research finds that ACEs are related to poor mental health and suicidal behaviors in adolescence, as well as an increased risk for heart disease and depression. ACEs can also negatively impact education and job opportunities, which directly and indirectly affect health and well-being ( Merrick, 2015 ).

According to parents, 2 out of 5 Georgia girls have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience - divorce being the leading cause. National Survey of Children’s Health, 2022-2023, Georgia

The landmark ACEs study in 1998 found that children who are subject to four or more ACEs are up to 12 times more likely to experience consequences, such as alcohol and drug abuse, or chronic diseases, such as cancer and diabetes ( Felitti, 1998 ). While data measuring that level of prevalence is not available for Georgia youth, nor is first-person reported data which is regarded as more reliable, available data shows that more than two out of five girls have experienced at least one ACE according to parents.

SOCIAL WELLNESS OF GEORGIA GIRLS

Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences among Girls, according to Parent

Divorce

23%

Income Instability

13%

Substance Abuse at Home

9%

Parental Incarceration

8%

Mental Illness at Home

7%

2 in 5 Georgia girls are reported to experience at least one adverse childhood experience.

Discrimination - Race

5%

Domestic Violence Discrimination - Sexual Identity Parental Death

4%

4%

3%

Experienced Violence

2%

Discrimination - Disability

2%

72

THE 2026 STATE OF THE GEORGIA GIRL REPORT