I think the best thing is to report abuse when the case is a difficult one. If you try to talk things through with some parents, it may prove abortive while others may give you a listening ear depending on your manner of approach. If you do not sound too intrusive. You'll find that often times abusive parents deal with issues of their own hence they tend to take out their anger and frustration on the children. In such cases, counseling would help a great deal. Like I said, if it is a severe case of abuse, you need to report to the proper authorities. Most times such kids are too afraid to even ask anyone for help. As time goes by it may start to affect them psychologically and if the problem isn't addressed, the cycle may continue.