Application of the Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS) to the assessment of child abuse is described. The CTS is a brief instrument designed to measure three aspects of parent-to-child behavior: (1) reasoning; (2) psychological aggression; and (3) physical aggression. The psychological and physical aggression indexes are intended to measure the incidence rate and severity of emotional and physical maltreatment of a child. The scales consist of lists of responses by parents to problems they have with their children. The lists are organized around the principle that acts are the primary indicator of child maltreatment. The physical abuse index measures overall violence, physical abuse, very severe violence, severe violence, and minor violence. Six items are included in the CTS to measure psychological aggression. Although extensive data illustrate the construct validity of the CTS, it appears that the internal consistency reliability is minimal and that concurrent validity studies are needed. The CTS measures are moderately reliable and are not confounded with social desirability response sets. Alternative child abuse measures (officially reported cases, national incidence studies, prediction instruments, and medical diagnosis) are considered. A copy of the CTS is appended. (TJH)