Through the lens of trauma : adverse childhood experiences and crime classifications

Abstract

The current study was designed to explore the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and crime classifications to determine how the three different ACE categories differ as a function of four crime classifications, and how the number of ACEs experienced relates to chronic offending. This relationship was examined using a Canadian justice-involved population recruited through community residential facilities and support groups. ACE categories were not found to differ as a function of crime classification and the number of ACEs experienced did not relate to chronic offending. Previous research supports findings of the current study regarding the elevated rates of ACEs in justice-involved populations and notable gender differences. This exploratory study added to the ACE literature by exploring the relationship amongst all types of abuse, neglect, <i>and</i> household dysfunction in relation to <i>all</i> types of self-reported criminal convictions. Future research is encouraged to explore similar relationships among more substantial justice-involved samples.