How does gang violence affect the community?

Gangs increase the levels of crimes in communities, and set a bad example for kids in the area. They create an image of power and respect, when in reality they drop out of school, struggle with unemployment, abuse drugs and alcohol or end up in jail. Communities fear them because of the harm they can bring to others.

How many gangs are there in the United States?

More than 20,000 gangs consisting of approximately 1 million members exist in the United States; gangs are present in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories.

What roles do females play in gangs?

Sex partners and auxiliary members are still the major roles for female gang members to play in a gang. Remedial strategies, including parental education, extracurricular activities (after-school programs), quality of schooling, and job opportunities are the policy implica- tions identified by this study.

What are the risks of being in a gang?

Major risk factors associated with youth gang involvement

• Prior delinquency.
• Illegal gun ownership.
• Drug trafficking.
• Desire for group rewards such as status, identity, self-esteem, companionship and protection.
• Anti-social attitudes.
• Aggression.
• Alcohol and drug use.
• Early or precocious sexual activity.

How has violence affected people’s lives?

Consequences include increased incidences of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicide; increased risk of cardiovascular disease; and premature mortality. The health consequences of violence vary with the age and sex of the victim as well as the form of violence.

Why is it important to belong to a gang?

Young people join gangs because it is a crucial part of growing up. Gangs do not always revert to violence. If there are positive, older role models involved with these gangs, they can hold the boundaries essential to stopping them spiralling out of control and turning violent and crime driven.

Are there female Bloods?

Most Bloods members are African-American males, although some sets have recruited female members as well as members from other races and ethnic backgrounds.