The article reviews the neurobiological and epidemiological evidence linking childhood maltreatment to long-term brain and health consequences. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, which assessed 17,337 adults, found a graded relationship between the number of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and various health and behavioral outcomes, including mental health disturbances, somatic disturbances, substance abuse, impaired memory, sexuality, perceived stress, anger control, and intimate partner violence. The study also showed a dose-response relationship between the number of ACEs and the mean number of comorbid outcomes. These findings suggest that early life stress can lead to enduring brain dysfunction and affect multiple aspects of health and quality of life throughout the lifespan. The article emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the wide range of effects of childhood maltreatment.The article reviews the neurobiological and epidemiological evidence linking childhood maltreatment to long-term brain and health consequences. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, which assessed 17,337 adults, found a graded relationship between the number of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and various health and behavioral outcomes, including mental health disturbances, somatic disturbances, substance abuse, impaired memory, sexuality, perceived stress, anger control, and intimate partner violence. The study also showed a dose-response relationship between the number of ACEs and the mean number of comorbid outcomes. These findings suggest that early life stress can lead to enduring brain dysfunction and affect multiple aspects of health and quality of life throughout the lifespan. The article emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the wide range of effects of childhood maltreatment.