THE TRADITIONAL ATTITUDES AND CUSTOMS RELATING TO THE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN ARE REVIEWED. IT IS NOTED THAT IN THE PAST, CHILDREN WERE MOST COMMONLY VIEWED AS PROPERTY OR AS MINIATURE ADULTS. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION, THIS VIEW OF CHILDREN BEGAN TO CHANGE, AND THEY CAME TO BE REGARDED AS OBJECTS FOR AFFECTION AND PROTECTION. IT WAS WITH THIS CHANGED VIEW ON THE ROLE OF CHILDREN THAT INTEREST IN THE PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE FIRST SURFACED. NOTING THAT THERE IS OFTEN A PATTERN TO CHILD ABUSE, THE AUTHOR PRESENTS TWO CASE STUDIES WHICH ILLUSTRATE THE TYPICAL CYCLES OF CHILD ABUSE. CHILD ABUSE MAY ARISE WHEN THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS OF A FAMILY SITUATION ARE PRESENT: POTENTIAL TO ABUSE IN THE PARENTS, USUALLY BROUGHT ABOUT BY POOR FAMILY EXPERIENCES IN THE PARENTS' LIFE; THE PRESENCE OF A 'SPECIAL' OR 'DIFFERENT' CHILD; AND A CRISIS OR SERIES OF CRISES. THE AUTHOR FURTHER OBSERVES THAT CHILD ABUSE MAY INITIATE A CONTINUING CYCLE OF ABUSE, SINCE THE ABUSED CHILD OFTEN BECOMES AN ABUSING PARENT. CHILD ABUSE LAWS ARE EXAMINED, INCLUDING THE REPORTING LAWS, JUVENILE COURT ACTS, AND CRIMINAL LAWS. FINALLY, METHODS OF PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE ARE EXAMINED. THESE INCLUDE DIRECT INTERVENTION PROGRAMS SUCH AS SCREENING PROGRAMS AND HOSPITAL CHILD ABUSE DIAGNOSIS PROGRAMS; SOCIAL PROGRAMS TO REDUCE THE PRESSURES WHICH MAY INSTIGATE CHILD ABUSE; AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS TO TEACH PARENTS HOW TO HANDLE STRESS AND BECOME MORE EFFECTIVE PARENTS.