Child abuse is traced from infanticide during the ancient period to abortion in modern times. Identification of abused and neglected children and adolescents is considered; physical indicators of physical abuse, such as burns, welts, and fractures, are described. Emotional and behavioral indicators and characteristics of physically abused children are provided, as are indicators of sexual abuse and emotional abuse and neglect. Characteristics of emotionally abusive parents are listed, as are the four most common forms of emotional abuse: rejection, coldness, inappropriate control, and extreme inconsistency. A demographic profile of families experiencing child abuse and neglect is presented, and three types of neglect -- physical neglect, somatic neglect, and situational neglect -- are analyzed. The various types of sexual abuse are described, and the prevalence of different types of incest is noted. Spouse abuse is defined, and characteristics of battered women are examined. Additionally, corporal punishment in the schools is discussed. Finally, mandates and procedures for reporting child abuse are described, the roles of agencies involved in child abuse and neglect are explored, and ways to prevent and treat child abuse are suggested. Four appendixes and approximately 40 references are included.