The review of existing studies on the incidence of elder abuse indicates a lack of accurate data for various forms of familial abuse of the elderly. There are sufficient data and case studies, however, to suggest that such abuse causes substantial suffering where it occurs. The literature review of the theoretical perspective on elder abuse incorporates two bodies of research whose relevance to elder abuse has not thus far been systematically explored: the gerontological literature on relations between adult children and their elderly parents and research on the quality of marital relationships among the elderly. Findings from the family violence literature focus on the following direct precipitants: intraindividual dynamics, intergenerational transmission of violent behavior, inequitable levels of dependency between abuser and abused, social isolation, and external stress. Predisposing factors in the family relations literature center in adult child-parent relations and marital relations in the later years. The interventions discussed pertain to mandatory reporting laws, protective services, and services to victims and abusers. Recommendations for future research are offered. 93 references.