This study specifically explored the relationships among childhood trauma, long-term psychological consequences, beliefs about family violence, and gender role stereotypes in Asian and Asian American women. A prediction was made that childhood physical violence and witnessing family violence would create long-term negative symptoms; higher levels of acceptance of violence; more patriarchal gender role stereotypes; and endorsement of male power roles and rejection of female power roles. Women (N=52) from the University of Michigan participated in the study. The results suggest that childhood physical abuse and witnessing family violence had a long-term debilitating impact on the women. A history of abuse was also associated with trauma symptoms, depression, psychosomatic symptoms, and anxiety. It suggests that the traditional patriarchal family system within Asian homes, exposure to violence, and acceptance of child physical abuse and spousal violence may be critical risk factors for the perpetuation of the cycle of violence across generations. Counselors need to develop alternate risk models of family violence and interventions to better target these families. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/JDM)