Abusive parents are lonely, isolated, insecure, and immature individuals with little psychological support from their immediate family or community. As children, they were unloved or loved conditionally and experienced family violence, conflict, and sometimes sexual abuse. As long as they ignore or repress the maltreatment in their own childhood, abusive parents are likely to model their own parents' behavior rather than change. The whole family may support the abusive behavior pattern, either through silence or passivity. Children also support family violence by trying to maintain the status quo so they can have more control over their lives. The atmosphere in many abusive households tends to be chaotic and inconsistent or is based on unrealistic expectations about child behavior. Parents are confused by childrens' changeable attitudes and behaviors and are unclear about the link between their behavior and their child's behavior. In treating abusive parents, professionals should be nonjudgmental, compassionate, and positive. Treatment needs are varied, although all abusive parents need support to maintain changes. Child development and parenting skills should be taught. Eight references are supplied.