2. Statistics: The average age of a female gang member is 24
years. The average recruitment age for girl is 10. There are very
few all girl gangs. Only 2% of all gangs are female only. 65% of
girls in jail have a psychological issue such as clinical
depression or generalized anxiety 26% of girls in jail have been in
special education. 70% of girls in jail report having been sexually
abused or victimized as children Female gang members commit fewer
crimes and violence: Their incarcerations tend to be for drug use,
larceny, petty theft, status offenses or domestic issues (e.g.
fights with parents and runaway).
3. Definition of a Gang A group of adolescents who ban together
for mutual protection and profit. Must prove their loyalty by
committing acts of theft or violence. Claim control over territory
or turf. Engage in violent or illegal acts individually or
collectively.
4. Factors that contribute togirls joining gangs: Learning
disabilities & emotional disorders. School failure and truancy.
No involvement in positive activities outside of school. Friends
and peers who are delinquent. Early involvement in petty theft and
behavioral disorders in grade school. Low Income.
5. Seeking Asylum Girls join gangs to: Feel a sense of family
and belonging. For protection from other gangs and individuals. To
gain status or respect in their communities or among peers.
6. Location of GangsGangs are more active in smaller cities and
ruralcounties. Every city in the U.S. with at least 250,000people
has gang activity.
7. Girl Gangs are oftenMisunderstood Girl gangs are not a new
phenomena but have been overlooked for their male counterparts or
have not been taken seriously until recently.Their membership has
been documented since the 1800s but has escalated to new heights in
the past 20 years.
8. Independent EntityGirl gangs were once thought to be
dependent on theirmale counterparts, acting as bait for other gangs
amongother purposes. They were recently found to be a
separateentity with the ability to gain their own status in
thecommunity. Girls can organize their own gangs, displaymasculine
behavior, carry guns and commit violent andillegal acts.
9. Disguise & MaskingTechniques: Girls in gangs make their
gender more masculine through male associated dress. ie. Dark
clothing and hoodies. They minimize their sexual attributes through
their dress, speech and behavior and become more socially invisible
in a gang.
10. Warning Signs: Sudden poor academic performance.
Non-involvement with school. Using gang GRAFFITI on book covers,
folders. Suddenly purchasing or wanting clothing all of one color
(especially blue or red). Wearing sagging pants down to the hips.
Sudden change in friends. Developing sudden rebellious attitude
with parents and teachers. Starting to show signs of tobacco,
alcohol or drug use. Having friends who use tobacco, alcohol or
drugs. Sudden affluence (money, clothing, etc.) Sudden negative
police contact. Excessive disciplinary referrals.
11. Prevention Techniques forParents and Teachers: Teach kids
early about gangs. Listen to them. Allow kids time with positive
role models. Invite motivational speakers to their school. Focus on
their attributes and skills. Talk to them about staying on track
and their future goals. Steer them to programs where they can help
out in the community. Be a positive example yourself.
12. RecommendationsBig Brothers and Big Sisters. (2012).
Children and gangs info training.
Retrievedfrom:http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CFgQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbbs.org%2Fatf%2Fcf%2F%257B75B46C48-D5A9-4901-BBE1-DBBF375A1D96%257D%2FChildren%2520and%2520Gangs%2520info%2520Training.ppt&ei=6rntT72fOejN6QGZ_KibCg&usg=AFQjCNGxSelM4LdXzM4pcRS8mb4u1LMFgQ&sig2=srcim_cTIMlAotTVV0N-MAGangs
and at risk kids. (2010). Retrieved
from:http://www.gangsandkids.com/gstats.htmlFriedman, L. (2010).
The descriptive essay: Gangs. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.Johnson, J.
(2008). Bullies and gangs. Mankato: Stargazer Books.