Literature indicating high rates of abuse in this population is reviewed, as is literature indicating high rates of developmental disabilities in child victims of abuse. Problems in data collecting practices are noted. Reasons for these children's greater risk for abuse are identified, including child attributes, stress, parent vulnerabilities, deteriorating interaction between adult and child, and a culture which fosters attitudes conducive to maltreatment. These findings are discussed in terms of problems of determining cause and effect and inadequacies in detection and reporting. The article also examines complex ethical issues raised by cases of possible child abuse or neglect, treatment considerations, and major schools of thought concerning effective prevention. Other brief articles in the newsletter describe a Seattle Rape Relief program, a Virginia respite resource project, the editor's ideas concerning child abuse and developmental disabilities, the Healthy Start Program, Project SpecialCare, Nurturing Programs, the PACER (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Education Rights) Center in Minnesota, the Center for Child Protection in San Diego, (California) and Boys Town (Nebraska). Additionally, 10 relevant organizations and 18 book and video resources are briefly described. An attached bibliography lists 38 references. (DB)