This exploration of the dynamics and developmental consequences of child abuse begins with a definition of child abuse and a discussion of child sexual abuse. After a description of the incidence of child abuse, the consequences of abuse--including health and emotional problems, and neuro-developmental disabilities--are discussed. Further discussion focuses on abused children and their families, and findings of retrospective studies of abused children. Concluding sections cover sexual abuse and its possible short-term psychological symptoms and sequelae. Material from case studies supplements the discussion. It is concluded that the reasons parents mistreat their children have less to do with character and temperament than with the possibility that they themselves were mistreated and were not permitted to defend themselves as children. (RH)