Cruelty to children is as old as mankind. However, child abuse as a social issue came to be recognised as late as the 60s of this century. Studies conducted by Social and Medical scientists in and around their areas of work have given sufficient indication of the widespread prevalence of child abuse in varied forms, all over. These indicators have caused serious concern. Prevention of cruelty to children has consequently come to be recognised as a global priority. As elsewhere child abuse is emerging as a pressing social problem in India today. However, a lack of sensitivity to the need, therefore, for us is not only to generate hard empirical data that will throw light on the nature and magnitude of the problem but also to sensitize all concerned to the glaring and outrageous forms of child abuse prevailing in the country. The book surveys the existing literature on the subject to provide the necessary insight to researchers and enables them to identify areas and gaps that need to be researched on a priority basis.