This paper discusses the social-therapeutic approach to preventing abusive behavior, and describes the implementation of specific STOP Abusive Behavior Syndrome (ABS) projects in New York City, New York. The projects' goal is to empower people to continually develop throughout their lifespans. Basic tenants include the following: (1) emotions are a social practice; (2) individuals can produce, organize, and reorganize social practice; (3) individuals can produce social change by breaking out of social roles and breaking social rules; and (4) conflict is a key tool for development. Based on the work of psychiatrists Frantz Fanon and Wilhelm Reich, STOP ABS believes that people are abusive because of deep and hidden shame and humiliation caused by the pressure of brutal life conditions, and because violence is practiced and condoned on a national and international level by those in power. The first STOP ABS campaign began in the Bronx (New York) in 1987. Activities included the following: (1) grassroots publicity and a door-to-door survey of attitudes towards abuse; (2) individual, family, and small group free screenings to begin the process of dealing with abusive behavior; and (3) large group, monthly seminars to teach how to respond to stress and crisis in a non-abusive manner. The second STOP ABS project is underway at the Barbara Taylor School, an independent multiracial day care and elementary school in Harlem (New York). Its goal is to implement a non-abusive, developmental discipline model. A list of 11 references is included. (FMW)