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...

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...