This volume presents a balanced survey of children and violence in the United States-specifically those children who commit acts such as murder, rape, and assault. The physical, cultural, social, economic, and legal aspects of this pressing issue are explored in detail in Violent Children. Topics include the causes of these acts and what is being done to cope with and prevent this violence. Statistical information, intervention programs, and a list of print and nonprint resources are provided. This is an important reference work for students, parents, child advocacy groups, educators, law enforcement personnel, legislators, and other policy makers.

Single Parents offers an overview of this growing phenomenon, the problems faced by single-parent families, and their impact on society. Topics include men and women as single parents, single-mother families and poverty, the legal system and single parents, gay and lesbian parents, moral issues, and the effects of growing up in a single-parent family. The experiences of single parents in other countries are also discussed. This volume lists numerous resources, among them federal government programs; state statutes concerning child custody and adoption; private and public organizations; a guide to literature, films and videos; and information on the Internet. Lists numerous resources such as federal government programs, private and public organizations, films and videos, and information on the Internet

A thoroughly updated look at the world of gangs, charting their growth and development in the United States and worldwide, as well as the efforts to curb their expanding criminal enterprises. Gangs: A Reference Handbook, Second Edition offers an eye-opening look at modern gangs-their history, their ability to attract members from a widening social pool, as well as efforts by community and political leaders to stop gang-related crime and weaken the grip that gangs have on our culture. This timely update shows that while genuine progress has been made, the world of gangs is evolving in fascinating and dangerous ways. The second edition features a wealth of new information, new statistical data, and new insights into the ways gangs operate in cities large and small. It also offers expanded coverage of gangs specific to other countries as well as those that have become genuinely international in nature. Chronology of significant events, social trends, court cases, and statutes relevant to gangs, their purposes, and their development Biographical sketches of prominent individuals, including officials who have conducted research and worked with gangs and former gang members and leaders

Provides a balanced survey of existing literature on women throughout the third world. Women in the Third World discusses topics such as the status of women; access to and enrollment in schools and universities; access to medical care; legal status; actions that husbands can take against their wives as permitted by law; and the extent to which women are considered property. This volume also provides biographical sketches of noted women leaders, statistical information, data on programs, and summaries of print and nonprint resources. Students, educators, journalists, policy makers, women's center personnel, and anyone interested in the status of women in the third world will find this an excellent research tool. Provides biographical sketches of noted women leaders Includes statistical information, data on programs, and summaries of print and nonprint resources

This work is an important new edition of a classic study-one of the few exhaustive examinations of childhood sexual abuse available-with 40 percent new material. Even though it is as old as human history, child sexual abuse has generally remained a dark and well-hidden secret. Only in the last few decades has it become a topic of open public debate and scientific research, and we still have more questions than answers. How often are accusations of sexual abuse legitimate, and how often are they the result of false memories? Can sexual offenders be cured, or will they ultimately re-offend? These are only a few of the difficult questions this volume seeks to answer. Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Reference Handbook explores the many ways we define child sexual abuse in the United States and in different parts of the world and how those differences are represented in U.S. and international laws. It summarizes what we know about how to intervene, treat, and prevent childhood sexual abuse effectively and tells the stories of individuals who have had a dramatic effect on the handling of childhood sexual abuse. For students, social workers, teachers, policymakers, parents, and concerned citizens, this work offers a one-stop, multifaceted discussion of one of the major issues facing children and their families. A chronology of important events in the history of child sexual abuse covers the various laws and how they've changed over the centuries (from religious laws allowing marriage to minor girls up through the latest laws relating to Internet issues), notable abuse cases, the formation of major anti-abuse organizations, and top scientific studies Excerpts from relevant U.S. and international laws and conventions

This book provides a much-needed survey of the discrimination and violence against women in developing countries, and identifies the literature and resources available about this topic. Because of improvements in communication technologies, the West has become increasingly aware of horrific examples of ongoing discrimination and violence against individual women in developing countries. As a result, more attention is being paid to the gender bias and hardship that women in developing countries face in their everyday lives, and the importance of these women in economic development and the alleviation of poverty is starting to be recognized. Women in Developing Countries: A Reference Handbook addresses topics like the status of women in developing countries; their access to education, health care, and the political process; their legal status; the extent to which they are considered property; female genital mutilation and other harmful practices; and other timely issues. This book also provides statistical information, data on selected nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other organizations set up to improve the lives and advance the status of women, and sources of further information in print and nonprint media. Supplies a chronology of significant events relevant to women in developing countries Presents biographies of individuals who have advanced human rights for women, and others who play key policy or political roles Provides a bibliography containing abstracts of selected books, handbooks, manuals, and films/DVDs that provide a wide perspective on major issues Includes a glossary and basic subject index