Experiences in prenatal life and early childhood that may cause personality disorders or criminal behavior in later life are examined in these Proceedings of the Subcommittee on Childhood Experiences as Causes of Criminal Behavior of the Standing Committee on Health, Welfare and Science. This issue, the last in a series of 19 hearings dating from November 1977 to July 1978, presents the testimony of Dr. Robert ten Bensel concerning the historical development of awareness of problems of violence in families and the nature of child abuse and neglect. Neglect is defined as an omission of care, abuse as intent to hurt the child. Abortion may reduce neglect (by reducing the numbers of unwanted children) but is unlikely to influence abuse, as the abused child is a wanted child. Because abusing families love their kids, therapeutic interventions may be effective. The neglected children are more difficult to treat, because parents have never attached to or cared for them. A vivid image of the nature of child abuse and neglect, its causes and consequences, and what ought to be done about it is developed. Childhood experiences associated with violent crimes in adulthood are identified. Factors which protect children from criminal careers are indicated. The study by Kempe (1978) which predicted with 80% accuracy which of 100 families were going to abuse or neglect their children is reported. Present provision of services to abused and neglected children is seen to be inadequate. Questions of committee members probe related issues. Both English and French texts are provided. (Author/RH)