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Abstract: 

The authors dissect the implications of the studies conducted by Dr. Vincent Felitti and other researchers on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The ACEs research discovered a positive correlation between the number of ACEs endured in childhood and the risk of developing medical and mental health problems throughout adulthood. Logically, domestic violence is one of the 10 adverse childhood experiences targeted by these studies. In this article, the authors use the ACE findings as a backdrop for their discussion of the life-altering detriments caused by family court judges who issue child-harming decisions in child custody/visitation cases. The unavoidable conclusion is that, instead of applying the law to protect vulnerable children from harm, judges’ decisions are heaping additional weight upon the already heavy ACE burden carried by children embroiled in custody battles. In effect, the family courts are condemning such children to a potential lifetime of mental and/or physical disability. The authors wrap up their discussion by suggesting methods of applying the ACEs information in ways that will improve judicial decision making in child custody/visitation cases.

Keywords: Vincent J. Felitti; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Domestic Violence and Child Abuse; Applying ACE to Child Custody Cases

Affiliations:  1: Attorney at Law; 2: Attorney at Law.