This literature review examines research done on the overlapping issues of childhood exposure to violence and adverse childhood experiences, noting their relationship to unwanted psychological, behavioral, health, and socioeconomic outcomes, such as delinquency and juvenile justice system involvement.
This literature review examines the prevalence and consequences of childhood exposure to violence (CEV), describes definitional challenges for researchers and program providers; reviews risk and protective factors related to CEV; summarizes approaches preventing, reducing, and addressing the consequences of CEV, such as trauma-informed care; and provides outcome evidence related to interventions that seek to prevent or address CEV. The document emphasizes the relationship between CEV and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), with outcomes such as delinquency and juvenile justice system involvement. Due to this relationship, relevant research on ACEs is also included in the literature review. Studies include those examining data from the National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NATSCEV), specific types of violence exposure, and how CEV and ACEs are related to delinquency and other adverse outcomes.