New ACE questionnaire helps identify children affected by domestic violence

A new questionnaire called "ACE" helps doctors identify children affected by domestic violence. It assesses the number of traumatic experiences a child has before age 18, linking higher scores to increased risks of mental and physical health issues in adulthood. The ACE questionnaire includes ten questions about experiences like physical abuse or parental substance use. Higher scores indicate a greater likelihood of developing problems such as depression, anxiety, and chronic health conditions later in life. Research shows that children exposed to domestic violence may face long-term health issues, including asthma and diabetes. Organizations like Directions for Living aim to support these children and break the cycle of violence through healing and resilience.