Several attempts have been made to explain the adoption of offending behavior by abuse victims that focus on victim to offender theory, the intergenerational transmission of violence, and methodological issues in violence causes and prevention. Although empirical and theoretical evidence abounds in the victim to offender literature, pathways responsible for vulnerability toward and protection against criminal activity have not yet been identified. The significance of detecting these influencing factors is apparent, specifically in relation to termination of the violence cycle before or after it has begun. Empirical evidence on the cycle of violence, antisocial behavior, and treatment for child abuse victims is reviewed, and possible outcomes of child abuse are noted. 167 references