The abuse of children and the deprivation of health services and educational opportunities produces and perpetuates poverty and its link with violence. Children who are unhealthy cannot develop their skills and acquire the knowledge necessary to fulfill their potential vocationally and socially. Children who are abused emotionally and physically or who observe family members being so abused will tend to use violent behavior in their own efforts to cope with frustration and conflict. The key is effective parenting that contributes to well-adjusted, well- protected children. Home visitation programs offer a wide variety of assistance to parents, such as role modeling, parent-infant interaction, and linkages to needed community services. Domestic violence must also be addressed through intervention programs that use community resources to protect victims and treat abusers. The effort of community programs must also focus on providing more resources for children by improving education and developing employment structures that provide parents more time at home with their children.