Bermuda Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Model

The three domains established in the original ACEs of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunctions are the larger or umbrella terms that contain the original list of adverse childhood experiences (blue icons). Abuse includes more specifically physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Types of household dysfunction considered as fundamental ACEs are mental illness of a live-in relative, domestic violence, substance abuse or incarceration of a close family member, and parental separation (previously divorce). Physical and emotional neglect are representative of neglect overall, for a total of 10 original ACEs. After extensive research, Bermuda specific ACEs domains have been added to account for the unique adverse childhood experiences of poverty or “not having enough”, road traffic accident trauma, and experiences of racism (green icons). Experiences of racism and poverty were considered two major areas missing from the original ACEs, especially from an international view, to acknowledge the marginalization of people of color and of those living without resources for basic necessities. Road traffic accident trauma, resulting from bike (motorized bikes like a moped or scooter) or other vehicle collisions is also of great concern, due to the statistically significant number of accident-related injuries and fatalities in the community, each year.

Visit www.tfc.bm/acesstudy for more information.

© Bermuda ACEs. Hines T, Guthman S. “2018-2020 Bermuda Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study.” 2020 Aug. Family Centre:
https://www.tfc.bm/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2018-2020-Bermuda-Adverse-Childhood-Experiences-Study.pdf.

Bermuda Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Model
Tara Hines, MSPH & Stephanie Guthman, PhD
Co-Principal Investigators