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Fathers, physical child abuse, and neglect: advancing the knowledge base
Shawna J Lee1, Jennifer L Bellamy, Neil B Guterman
1School of Social Work and the Merrill-Palmer Skillman, Institute for Child and Familiy Development,Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA. shawnal@wayne.edu
Child Maltreatment
|July 8, 2009
Summary
Fathers are often perpetrators of severe physical child abuse or neglect (PCAN). This research explores fathering factors influencing PCAN risk, aiming to improve prevention and intervention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Child development
- Family studies
- Criminology
Background:
- Fathers are disproportionately represented as perpetrators of physical child maltreatment.
- Existing research and interventions for physical child abuse or neglect (PCAN) inadequately address fathers' roles.
- There is a significant gap in understanding the specific factors related to fathering that contribute to PCAN risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To disseminate new research examining the multifaceted roles of fathers in physical child abuse or neglect (PCAN).
- To investigate various fathering factors that directly and indirectly influence both maternal and paternal risk for PCAN.
- To address critical research gaps concerning fathers' contributions to child maltreatment.
Main Methods:
- This special issue presents new research focusing on multiple fathering factors.
- The studies examine how these factors shape parental risk for engaging in PCAN.
- The research aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of paternal involvement in child maltreatment.
Main Results:
- Fathers' roles in physical child abuse or neglect (PCAN) are complex and require specific attention.
- Multiple fathering factors significantly influence the risk of PCAN.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for effective prevention and intervention.
Conclusions:
- Inadequate attention to fathers in research and practice has negative implications for preventing child maltreatment.
- Further research on fathering factors is essential for developing targeted interventions.
- Addressing the specific roles of fathers is critical for reducing PCAN.
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