This role is decisively shaped by the law which regulates spheres of autonomy, protection zones, and responsibilities of children and parents and the state as public guardian. Research has been conducted to examine the impact of the law on the genesis of family violence toward children and on ways of dealing with such violence. In the realm of physical abuse, research has focused primarily on the the right of parents to administer physical punishment. In the realm of sexual abuse, the emphasis has been on procedures and interventions. Empirical findings from a representative sample of 2,400 youths between 13 and 16 years of age and 3,000 adults in East and West Germany are reported. This study explored the emergence of family violence toward children, legal requirements associated with family violence, interpersonal relationships within the family, violence as a disciplinary technique, attitudes toward violence, and the legal system's ability to keep pace with increasing levels of family violence. 58 references, 6 footnotes, and 4 figures