Child abuse is defined, in a way that makes it applicable across international boundaries and cultures, as that portion of harm to children that results from human action that is proscribed, proximate, and preventable. A number of other dimensions also affect the likelihood that a given harm will be regarded as child abuse. These include social sanction and social censure. Types of abuse can range from physical and sexual abuse to emotional abuse and neglect. Cross-cultural research shows that certain types of children may be more vulnerable to maltreatment in many countries. These include females, deformed and handicapped children, those born under difficult circumstances, those in poor health, and children with disvalued traits or behavior. A two-pronged international strategy is urged. First, individual countries must focus on those forms of abuse that are most urgently in need of attention in their own societies. Second, there should be a concerted international effort to focus on the alleviation of battering, sexual abuse, and selective neglect. This effort should include awareness building, publicity, development of compacts, and social and economic change. 100 notes and references. (Author abstract modified)