This paper examines the relevance of social structure, in terms of class, race, and gender, in the lives of damaged parents of low power positions who abuse or neglect their children. The predominant view in the understanding and treatment of abusive parents stresses the parent's poor childhood experiences and the "intergenerational cycle" of the problem. Despite evidence for the "classlessness" of the problem, maltreating parents seem to be overrepresented in the low power segments of the society. In addition, evidence suggests that mothers, the poor, and ethnic minorities also are overrepresented among maltreating parents. Available data points to a particular psychological profile in these parents, characterized by a sense of powerlessness, low self esteem, isolation, and dependency on welfare services. The effectiveness of individual therapy for abusive and neglectful parents is discussed, and suggestions for use of a developmental dialectical approach to therapy are addressed. Unlike the pschodynamic approach to therapy, developmental dialectics suggests that healing for damaged parents requires not only awareness of past victimization, but also of present social victimization. Several case studies illustrate some of the difficulties when damaged parents seek help from therapists. (DST)