Originally published by FOX 47

Dealing with childhood trauma is a difficult task, and now experts are finding out the impacts of abuse sticks with children longer than they may realize.

For the first time in the Capital Area, training is being offered to deal with these experiences.

“For one, I want people to understand that we are not alone. Everyone has their own form of trauma that they have endured,” Lakiesha Allen said.

Allen says she is a survivor that has learned how to thrive. She came to the event to connect with other survivors and help others heal from their Adverse Childhood Experiences.

“Because you never know where someone is. You could be that person that stops them from committing suicide or going to alcohol or things of that nature that could adversely affect them even more than the actual trauma,” she added.

According to the Michigan ACE Initiative, Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs are serious childhood traumas that can result in toxic stress that can harm a child’s brain. Repeated exposure to these ACEs can result in an increased risk of substance abuse, suicide attempts, diseases and more.

“If you don’t treat them, that person could die 20 years earlier than us. So the resilience training is to teach health care professionals, and social workers and school janitors and really anybody how to treat adverse childhood experiences,” Norma Bauer, a community activist volunteer said.

Experts say that there are some things you can do to help those who have had these experiences, even if you may not know.

“You show that you care. You make them feel safe. You make them feel connected. This is what makes a difference. All of us can do it,” Bauer said.