This report sets out a framework for government to address Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), reducing the distress and risk of suicide they engender. The findings show the importance of addressing trauma early and consistently throughout a person’s life. The report sets out eight guiding principles and 33 recommendations for governments, policymakers and services.

ACEs are traumatic events which can occur during childhood and may result from harmful interactions with family, peers, institutions or systems, such as the criminal justice system or child protection system. Exposure to ACEs is common and just over 60% of Australians aged over 16 report experiencing ACEs in childhood. 

Key recommendations

• Implement a coordinated and strategic approach to ACEs and suicide prevention.
• Establish safe, nurturing relationships and environments for children and intervene early.
• Listen and learn from the voices of children, families/kin and people with lived and living experience.
• Provide perinatal, parenting and caregiver support.
• Ensure support services are resourced and equipped to identify people living with the impacts of ACEs.
• Build the capacity of education institutions to identify presentations of ACEs and unresolved trauma early and refer appropriately.
• Upskill and educate workplaces and the general community to improve knowledge and awareness.
• Fund research to inform ACE-related policy and practice.