The role that fathers play in the risk for future physical child abuse and neglect is seen as in need of consideration in the field of research. Even though there is an overrepresentation of fathers as perpetrators in severe physical child maltreatment, little is known in child maltreatment research of the role of fathers and fathering in the etiology of physical child abuse. This article examines the role of fathers in risk for both physical child abuse and physical child neglect. Specific findings from the empirical base for each form of physical child maltreatment, when available are identified. In addition, the article focuses on the role of fathers in physical abuse and neglect risk as a point of departure. The evidence base clearly establishes that fathers play an important role in physical child abuse and neglect. With this evidence, it is important to begin the development of intervention strategies and models that address fathers’ needs and motivation for services, their risk profiles, and their help-seeking patterns. The intent for reviewing fathers’ physical child abuse and neglect risk is to aid in furthering next generation studies that can begin to examine more specialized questions in connection with father figures or other unrelated adult males in the home. References