Child abuse takes place across all cultures and all religious and economic strata. Drawing on data from 152 countries this book estimates that every other living person has been a victim of childhood violence: sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse. Another important finding is that over one billion children in the developing countries are at present victims of poverty-related neglect. In our growing culture of violence, Einar Helander addresses the severe health and social consequences for victims of childhood violence, among which increased alcoholism, drug abuse, criminal violence and damage to the central nervous system are important. He critiques the lack of preventive efforts made by governments, international law and the United Nations Millennium Development Programme. Children and Violence provides a disturbing account of the reality of childhood abuse and neglect, and proposes a universal, community-based prevention programme.