Bev Moore-Davis

The work showed researchers for the first time just how common adverse childhood experiences, as they’re termed, truly are: Nearly two-thirds of the group of mostly white, middle-class people from the San Diego area had experienced at least one type of physical or psychological trauma included in the survey. But the biggest surprise from the study was that adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, didn’t just lead to emotional and psychological ill effects, such as depression, later in life: People who had more traumatic experiences were also more likely as adults to have heart disease, cancer and a host of other health problems. And though people with higher ACE scores are more likely to smoke and suffer from alcoholism and drug abuse, behavioral factors don’t fully account for these increased disease risks. By identifying such measurable physical changes, or biomarkers, the scientists hope to be able to pinpoint which kids are at greatest risk of long-term health effects — and provide a metric for studying the effects of treatments such as specialized therapies.

Kids Help Phone has seen a surge in calls and texts from young people needing someone to talk to during the COVID-19 pandemic, and though not unexpected, child advocates say many children fear coming forward. Certainly, the isolation comes into play with our social distancing, the loss of networks through school, friends and family,” said Emily Cardwell, manager of Kids Help Phone in Newfoundland and Labrador. That hesitation to come forward doesn’t come as a shock to Bev Moore-Davis, who survived child abuse and went on to create the Miles for Smiles Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing abuse. We’ve heard from some children directly that they live in fear, they don’t want to be taken by CSSD [Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development] and they know some family or friends who have had unfortunately unpleasant experiences,” Moore-Davis said.

When there is an additional stress in the home like during COVID-19, children are at increased risk of violence and abuse. Children who are being physically, mentally or sexually abused, experiencing family violence or neglect, no longer have that safe refuge, or access to a trusted adult. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, family friends, teachers, neighbours, etc…, should start by reaching out to the children within their circles. If you suspect a child is currently living in an unsafe/unhealthy environment, please reach out and offer support.

The Upstream Solution to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect (Video) Home for the Miles for Smiles Home for the Miles for Smiles VOCM – Vulnerability of Children in Abusive Situations Heightened During Pandemic Adults – Aunts, uncles, grandparents, family friends, teachers, coaches, etc.. Children carry enough weight on their little shoulders, they don’t need the burden of thinking it is their responsibility to protect themselves or their siblings. Facebook Messanger, Zoom, Google Hangout are great ways to not only check on the child but to also look for visual cues.