Trauma and Crime

This week I will be exploring the effects of trauma on the brain and body and how it can lead to criminal behavior as well as negative health outcomes in adulthood. If we look for a common denominator in many criminals, trauma and abuse tend to be present. Not to say that everyone who experiences trauma will engage in criminal activity, but that it may make some individuals more susceptible. The tool we use to understand an individual's childhood trauma is the Adverse Childhood Experience Test (ACE). This week, in addition to trauma and crime, I'll be giving my recommendation that the ACE test be modified to include school trauma, including bullying and gun violence. Not only am I interested in discovering the effects of school trauma on health, but often times when there are acts of violence, specifically mass shootings, we hear that the shooter was someone who experienced bullying themselves and was known as a loner. Of course, bullying in now way justifies these heinous acts of violence, but it's important to make a connection if there is in fact one there so we are aware of the warning signs to get individuals help before they reach a breaking point. Have you all heard of the ACE test? If so, what are your thoughts? Do you agree that school trauma is as important of a factor to capture as well as trauma at home?