Bullying intervention in schools: Six basic approaches

(2010). Ken Rigby. Camberwell, VIC: ACER Press. Price: $49.95.

Bullying Interventions in Schools looks at six methods to address cases of bullying in school and explains when and how they can best be applied. The six major intervention methods looked at are; the traditional disciplinary approach; strengthening the victim; mediation; restorative practice; the support group method; the method of shared concern. Each method is described in detail. The strengths and limitations of each method are also examined in regards to their efficacy and applicability in various types of bullying encountered in schools. Aimed at school leaders, decision-makers and teachers, this is an accessible, practical and highly relevant resource.

Respect in an ageing society: A research paper

(2010). Benatas and Deakin University. Melbourne, VIC: Benatas.

This research paper was commissioned by Benetas to examine views about respect towards older people in society, and also what respect means to older Australians. This was the first study to investigate respect for older people within the Australian population. The results of the study showed that there is a belief that the expressions of respect valued by older people are different to those valued by younger members of society. The results also suggested that respect for older people has changed over time, with respect moving from submissive forms to shared or mutual ones. The research identifies the reasons for this change. This paper is aimed at policy-makers and researchers.

Domestic violence: Working with men. Research, practice experiences and integrated responses

(2009). Andrew Day, Patrick O'Leary, Donna Chung and Donna Justo. Annandale, NSW: Federation Press. Price: $59.95.

In recent years a number of ‘integrated responses' to domestic violence have been developed and an increasingly important element is the delivery of interventions for the male perpetrators of violence. This book describes and discusses the provision of these programs and services designed for known perpetrators. Outcome data, theoretical and clinical issues relevant to program delivery are looked at in detail. Contents: Part I: Context; Part II: System Responses; Part III: Broader Practice Approaches; Part IV: Research; Part V: Commentary. This resource is aimed at researchers and health-care practitioners.

The new manhood: The handbook for a new kind of man

(2010). Steve Biddulph. Warriewood, NSW: Finch Publishing. Price: $29.95

In his latest book, Steve Biddulph revisits the subject of manhood and explores the elements of a man's life that often cause him unhappiness such as sex, marriage, children and work. He explores the idea that modern men have confused identities, resulting in a lack of true connections. According to Biddulph, it is not until a man discovers his true self and is able to adopt a complete idea of manhood, will he be able to be happy and content. With powerful, real-life stories, this is a practical book aimed at men of all ages and also for the women in their lives.

Community safety in Australian Indigenous communities: service providers’ perceptions

(2010). Matthew Willis. Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology.

This study investigates measures and perceptions of safety in Indigenous communities in Australia. It details the development of a questionnaire designed to capture perceptions of community safety in Indigenous communities, which it is hoped will be utilised by organisations and service providers in their work. It also presents findings from a survey of 159 workers from service providers in remote, regional, and urban areas. The results presented are intended to be illustrative, rather than representative, and include community strengths; crime and social problems; community services available; perceived safety of personnel/respondent; reasons for feeling safe or unsafe; perceived safety of Indigenous people; times and places considered unsafe; community safety initiatives; perceived level of need for change; crime reporting and disclosure by victims; and who victims of violence turn to for support, for men, women, children, and female sexual assault victims.

Community safety in Australian Indigenous communities: service providers’ perceptions is available on the Australian Institute of Criminology website 
<www.aic.gov.au/en/publications/current%20series/rpp/100-120/rpp110.aspx>

Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice

(2nd edition). (2010). Glenda Mac Naughton, Sharne A. Rolfe and Iram Siraj-Blatchford (Eds.). Crows Nest, NSW: Allen and Unwin. Price: $49.99.

This book provides a detailed introduction to techniques and issues of research with young children. It is divided into three sections: the nature of research; analysis and design; and the research process in action. Chapters are written by Australian and international authors.

Making ends meet: Financial stress is not just about money

(2010). Sydney: Wesley Mission.

This report examines the current state of household finances in New South Wales. In particular, it looks at the impact of financial stress on broader issues such as housing, utility costs, health, and relationships, and the worrying aspects of credit debt and low money management skills. The report draws on interviews with counsellors from the Wesley Mission's Financial Counselling Service, case studies with metropolitan clients, a literature review, and a household survey of 621 people across New South Wales. It discusses the results and the implications for policy.

Making ends meet: Financial stress is not just about money is available on the Wesley Mission website 
<www.wesleyconference.com/News/Research/Financial_Stress/Report/Online%20report/The%20Wesley%20Report%20Oct%202010.pdf>

Protecting children from sexual violence: A cultural approach

(2010). Strasbourg, France: Council of Europe Publishing. Price: US$60.00

This book has been published as part of the Council of Europe campaign to stop sexual violence against children. It provides information on the existing legal framework; abuse prevention and reporting; sexual violence and the internet; children who sexually abuse other children; and the role of public and private partnerships in stopping abuse. It also highlights the lack of data on the prevalence and nature of sexual abuse and argues for a co-ordinated pan-European approach to research and data gathering so that policy making and programme design can have a sound base in research.

This collection of Booknotes was compiled by Katherine Browne, Library and Information Management student on a work placement, and the Library Team at the Australian Institute of Family Studies.