Child maltreatment includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and other abuse such as abandonment or threats of harm. Forty-four of every 1,000 children were reported to child welfare agencies for abuse or neglect in 1996. About 80 percent of maltreatment reports identify a parent as the perpetrator. Theories to explain the relationship between maltreatment and violence include social learning theory, social control theory, attachment theory, cognitive and moral development theory, biogenetic explanations, and integrated theories. Most maltreated children do not become violent. In addition, a complex array of risk and protective factors suggests that no single etiological path exists from maltreatment to violent behavior. Therefore, careful assessments conducted from an ecological perspective are vital in planning appropriate services. Universal approaches to violence prevention include changing social norms, early childhood programs, school-based strategies. Approaches for children who have experienced abuse include mandated child welfare services, parent support, caregiver involvement in therapy, empowering caregivers, case management, mentors, counseling, and interventions to increase attachment and reduce trauma. Figure, table, and 108 references