Despite the lack of exact data, statistics on child victimization suggest it is a crisis of national importance. In 1996, 969,018 cases of substantiated abuse or neglect were reported from a total of 47 States. The chapter addresses the broad scope of child victimization and its effects, emotional and communicative levels of children based upon age and appropriate responses for general support services. In addition, the chapter focuses on providing support and services to child victims and witnesses if they are required to participate in the criminal justice process. The chapter discusses Federal initiatives for crimes dealing with child victimization; types of child abuse and neglect most commonly reported; short- and long-term emotional consequences for children who witness or experience victimization; a multi-disciplinary approach to administering victim services for child abuse; child victims in the criminal justice process; and promising practices that improve services to child victims and witnesses and their families. References