NCCAN is not a primary research agency, because its financial resources are limited. However, it combines its efforts with those of other Federal agencies and the private sector to support research efforts. Major research goals include a longitudinal study of the issue, an analysis of child fatalities due to abuse, and research on child neglect. Research should also focus on how to break the cycle of abuse, the reasons some people who are abused do not become abusers, and whether documented cases of ritualistic sexual abuse actually exist. Another concern is the dissemination of research findings, both to researchers and to practitioners. NCCAN will try to assure that the clearinghouses on child abuse and family violence receive all the research reports so that information is readily and quickly available.