The causes of child abuse and neglect have been major topics of study since the 1960s, but treatment strategies, research, and legal issues have only received concentrated attention since the '80s. The leading figures in these efforts have contributed to this handbook, a state-of-the-art compilation of their findings that also includes writings on associated cultural issues , youth violence, sexual abuse, and child development. Both a text and a reference, the volume is uniquely founded on empirical research.