The purpose of this study is to compare the features of 50 families in whom child abuse was detected with those of 50 families admitted to H. Garrahan for other ailments. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The universe of this study is formed by the 100 patients admitted to H. Garrahan between June 1994 an June 1995. Half of the patients were diagnosed as cases of child abuse, median age 26 months (r: 1-180). In the other group diseases other than child abuse were diagnosed; median age 36 months (r: 1-180 m). Structured interviews were undertaken to evaluate main features in the families. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (p<0.01) were observed in the following characteristics: marital status and educational status of the parents, family income, extended family, relationship with community institutions, provision of basic needs, number of children who cohabit. Statistically significant differences (p<0,0001) were observed for parental maltreatment and alcohol and drug abuse in the parents. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for nationality of the parents, number of previous marriages, religion or number of hours that the mother spent in the house. CONCLUSIONS: We observed distinct differences in the family structure of families in which child abuse was diagnosed, specially in provision of basic needs, support by an extended family, participation of the family in community activities and case history of maltreatment and drug abuse in the parents.