The strong link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the use of violence by adolescents and young people makes it an important consideration for practitioners and professionals working with adolescents and young people using or at risk of using violence. Understanding the factors associated with adolescent use of violence can support early interventions to address the needs of young people and reduce the risk of them using violence, potentially breaking cycles of violence or intergenerational violence. 

This paper explores: 

• what ACEs are
• the relationship between ACEs and the adolescent use of violence
• what the research says about the relationship between ACEs and violence use, including different types of violence
• practice implications and the role of trauma-informed approaches.

Key messages

• Addressing the adolescent use of violence in family settings is a priority area under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022–2032.
• Research has found a strong link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the use of violence by adolescents and young people. The type, frequency and onset of ACEs can influence the severity and types of violence used.
• Not all young people who have had ACEs will go on to use violence but a history of ACEs can increase the risk of adolescents using violence.
• Use of violence by adolescents can be a result of experiences of trauma that have affected their development and behaviour, a reaction to difficult household circumstances and/or a sign of distress and unmet needs.
• Consideration of how ACEs affect development and behaviour is part of a trauma-informed approach for supporting adolescents using or at risk of using violence.