The study examined in the Navajo population: (1) the importance of childhood abuse as a risk factor for conduct disorder; (2) the importance of each form of abuse and conduct disorder as risk factors for alcohol dependence; and (3) the relative importance of each form of abuse, conduct disorder and alcohol dependence as risk factors for being a perpetrator and/or victim of domestic violence. The prevalence of physical and sexual abuse before age 15 was within limits observed in other populations. Each form of abuse was a risk factor for conduct disorder. Physical abuse was also a risk factor for alcohol dependence. Physical abuse and alcohol dependence were independent risk factors for being involved in domestic violence as both perpetrator and victim. No secular trend appeared in the incidence of childhood abuse over the past several generations, but there was suggestive evidence that domestic violence had become more common. The effects of sexual abuse with regard to both domestic violence and alcohol dependence did not appear to be significant. Tables, references