This critical collection brings together some of the best contemporary research on the perceived increase in girls' violence. With perspectives from the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, the work challenges official definitions and media representations of girls and violence. Contributors discuss whether violence by girls has actually increased, what kind of behavior by girls is classified as "violent," how attitudes toward girls' behavior have changed, in what contexts girls behave violently, and look at the links between girls' violence and the broader issues of the social construction and social control of adolescent femininities. With diverse essays representing different geographical and disciplinary perspectives, this book offers, at times, contradictory evidence and conflicting views. However, common concerns are clear and the reader is rewarded with a rich exploration of the struggles of girls and young women to take control of their lives in material and ideological conditions that continue to restrict their options and opportunities.

Children account for 10-20% of all homicide victims in Australia, UK, Canada and the United States. Unlike other forms of homicide where men are by far the most likely perpetrators, studies show that women are as equally likely as men to commit child homicide. The authors ask who are the most likely killers of infants--mothers or fathers? Who are the most likely killers of adolescents--family or outsiders? They also consider patterns in suicide/homicides. The book draws on Australian case studies and comparative statistics from the UK and North America.

Children account for 10-20% of all homicide victims in Australia, UK, Canada and the United States. Unlike other forms of homicide where men are by far the most likely perpetrators, studies show that women are as equally likely as men to commit child homicide. The authors ask who are the most likely killers of infants--mothers or fathers? Who are the most likely killers of adolescents--family or outsiders? They also consider patterns in suicide/homicides. The book draws on Australian case studies and comparative statistics from the UK and North America.

The relationship between the police and young people in Australia is a topic of growing concern in Australian society. While people are concerned about juvenile crime, worries have also been expressed about police harassment and violence directed at young people. This book, first published in 1994, provides a sustained analysis of police-youth relations, offering new insights into how young people are policed. Some specific areas addressed include: the legal framework of police-youth interaction in Australia; the rights of young people; the policing of Aboriginal youth; the relationship between the police and young women; and ethnic and community policing, and likely future directions in policy. Written by a team of the leading people in the field this book makes an important contribution to debate on a critical issue. The Police and Young People in Australia shows the implications that contemporary police methods and practices have on the exercise of basic legal rights in Australian society.

This critical collection brings together some of the best contemporary research on the perceived increase in girls' violence. With perspectives from the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, the work challenges official definitions and media representations of girls and violence. Contributors discuss whether violence by girls has actually increased, what kind of behavior by girls is classified as "violent," how attitudes toward girls' behavior have changed, in what contexts girls behave violently, and look at the links between girls' violence and the broader issues of the social construction and social control of adolescent femininities. With diverse essays representing different geographical and disciplinary perspectives, this book offers, at times, contradictory evidence and conflicting views. However, common concerns are clear and the reader is rewarded with a rich exploration of the struggles of girls and young women to take control of their lives in material and ideological conditions that continue to restrict their options and opportunities.