Research on interventions at the societal level can guide a broad range of activities and increase their effectiveness and viability. Research can also identify the roles of individuals, agencies, organizations, communities, and government. An ecological framework is described that incorporates various ways of looking at research priorities in child abuse and neglect prevention. The framework is adapted from child development theory and asserts that causes of child maltreatment stem from several levels. In addition, the framework assumes that interaction effects across these different levels can increase or decrease maltreatment potential and delineates risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect. Structural risk factors, also called ecosystem and macrosystem factors, include poverty, unemployment, inaccessible and unaffordable health care, fragmented social services, social isolation, and neighborhood violence. Research on societal level risk factors and intervention efforts are discussed according to three broad categories: economic self-sufficiency, neighborhood characteristics and resources, and corporal punishment of children. Research recommendations are offered to improve knowledge on factors related to child maltreatment and formulate appropriate interventions. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is examined. 77 references