Attachment theory, social learning theory, and social network theory all suggest that disturbances in the family environment place the abused child at risk for maladaptive peer relationships. Several observational studies have confirmed these theories. One such study was conducted as part of the University of California Research Project on sociomoral development in abusing and nonabusing families. Observations focused on a sample of 59 children not enrolled in intervention programs and 18 children enrolled in a day care intervention program. The children ranged from 14 to 61 months of age. Twenty-six children had been physically abused. Free-play behaviors differed with respect to the child's diagnostic category and the nature of the peer group. Findings suggested the importance of peer-based intervention with abused children and that such intervention may optimally begin in the toddler period. 33 references.