Child abuse is a major problem in the United States. Policy concerning child abuse involves a criminal justice approach, a treatment approach, and a prevention approach. Prevention programs have focused on identifying and serving high-risk groups and on preventive education. A study was conducted to examine issues related to child abuse. Four groups of women were studied. Women (N=10) in group 1 had been court-ordered to counseling for child abuse, or endangerment, and were referred to a women's counseling group. Group 2 women (N=14), also court-ordered to counseling, were referred to a parenting class. Group 3 women (N=11) were voluntary clients in individual counseling. Group 4 women (N=12) received no counseling and served as a control group. All subjects completed a questionnaire designed to provide a profile of the subjects. Three findings are of particular interest: (1) on questions concerning abuse, there appeared to be a consistent pattern of statistical significance for the women's counseling group, followed in order by the voluntary group, the parenting group, and the control group; (2) some data of clear significance about teenage mothers appeared evident, supporting literature on the negative long-term effects of teenage pregnancy; and (3) the findings support the general literature concerning indicators regarding child abuse. The findings also support the need for prevention programs to prevent long-term and intergenerational effects of abuse and the use of intensive group counseling as a treatment approach. A 46-item reference list is appended. (NB)