Following a review of various definitions of child abuse, this chapter discusses the prevalence of child and adolescent physical abuse and the age at onset of such abuse. Other issues discussed are child abuse fatalities, the etiology of physical abuse, and psychopathology and other effects in abused children and adolescents. Also discussed are the association between abuse and suicide by abuse victims, the psychopathology of abusive parents, intergenerational transmission of abusive behavior, and social functioning and the isolation of abusive families. A major section on ritualistic abuse addresses its prevalence, effects, and the need for caution in making allegations of the ritualistic nature of the abuse the focus of treatment. A discussion of assessment in cases of allegations of physical abuse considers history taking and the physical examination. Topics addressed in the section on treatment are treatment outcome, parent treatment, and child treatment. Remaining issues discussed are hospital management of abuse cases, prevention, the role of the psychiatrist and other mental health care providers, and corporal punishment. A concluding legal commentary considers issues related to victims, other family members, and offenders, as well as guidance for mental health professionals and practitioners. 92 references