7.3 Gang violence

Gang violence is a complex issue rooted in social, economic, and cultural factors. It's characterized by organized criminal activities, often involving weapons and tied to the drug trade. Gangs attract members through promises of protection, belonging, and financial gain.

Prevention strategies target individuals, families, and communities. They range from early intervention programs to intensive rehabilitation for entrenched gang members. Holistic approaches addressing root causes like poverty and lack of opportunities are crucial for long-term solutions.

Gang violence: Definition and features

Definition and characteristics of gang violence

Top images from around the web for Definition and characteristics of gang violence

• 

  Gangsterism: a stew of complex factors | UCT News View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Organized crime, situational crime prevention and routine activity theory | Trends in Organized ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Gun violence.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Gangsterism: a stew of complex factors | UCT News View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Organized crime, situational crime prevention and routine activity theory | Trends in Organized ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Definition and characteristics of gang violence

• 

  Gangsterism: a stew of complex factors | UCT News View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Organized crime, situational crime prevention and routine activity theory | Trends in Organized ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Gun violence.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Gangsterism: a stew of complex factors | UCT News View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Organized crime, situational crime prevention and routine activity theory | Trends in Organized ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Gang violence refers to criminal and violent acts committed by gangs, which are organized groups that engage in criminal behavior and violence to gain power, recognition, and control over an area
• Characterized by its association with the activities and dynamics of the gang, such as initiations, turf wars, retaliation against rival gangs or perceived threats, and efforts to maintain or expand the gang's power and influence
• Often involves the use of weapons, such as firearms, knives, and blunt objects
• Can include assault, robbery, homicide, and other violent crimes

Relationship to illegal drug trade and contributing factors

• Often tied to the illegal drug trade, as gangs may engage in drug trafficking and use violence to protect their interests and eliminate competition
• Influenced by factors such as poverty, lack of educational and employment opportunities, family dysfunction, and a desire for a sense of belonging and protection

Risk factors and motivations for gang involvement

Individual, family, and community risk factors

• Individual risk factors include a history of violence or aggression, low self-esteem, poor academic performance, and a lack of positive role models
• Family risk factors include poverty, single-parent households, domestic violence, and a family history of gang involvement or criminal behavior
• Community risk factors include high crime rates, easy access to drugs and firearms, lack of community resources and support systems, and a prevalence of gangs in the area (urban areas with high population density)

Peer influences and motivations for joining gangs

• Peer risk factors include association with delinquent or gang-involved peers, peer pressure to join gangs, and a desire for acceptance and belonging within a peer group
• Motivations for joining gangs include a desire for protection, a sense of belonging and identity, financial gain through criminal activities (drug dealing), and a perceived lack of alternatives or opportunities

Impact of gang violence on society

Consequences for individuals and families

• Can result in physical injuries, disabilities, and fatalities among gang members, rival gang members, and innocent bystanders (drive-by shootings)
• Exposure to gang violence can lead to psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and substance abuse
• Can disrupt family dynamics, causing stress, fear, and instability, particularly when a family member is involved in a gang or becomes a victim of gang violence

Effects on communities and social systems

• Can create a culture of fear and mistrust within communities, leading to decreased social cohesion and community engagement
• The presence of gang violence can lead to decreased property values, business closures, and a reduction in economic opportunities within affected communities (urban blight)
• Can strain community resources, such as law enforcement, healthcare systems, and social services, as they work to address the consequences of gang-related crime and violence

Prevention and intervention strategies for gang violence

Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention approaches

• Primary prevention strategies aim to prevent individuals from joining gangs by addressing risk factors and promoting protective factors, such as providing educational and employment opportunities, strengthening family and community support systems, and offering positive youth development programs (after-school programs)
• Secondary prevention strategies target individuals who are at high risk of joining gangs or are already involved in gangs, offering intervention programs such as mentoring, counseling, and skill-building workshops to encourage disengagement from gang activities
• Tertiary prevention strategies focus on individuals who are deeply entrenched in gang culture and have a history of gang-related offenses, providing intensive interventions such as targeted outreach, case management, and rehabilitation programs to support their exit from gang life

Community-based interventions and holistic approaches

• Community-based interventions involve collaboration among various stakeholders, such as law enforcement, schools, community organizations, and faith-based institutions, to create a comprehensive approach to gang violence prevention and intervention
• Suppression strategies, such as targeted policing and prosecution of gang-related crimes, aim to disrupt gang activities and reduce gang violence through enforcement and legal consequences
• Holistic approaches that address the root causes of gang involvement, such as poverty, lack of education, and limited opportunities, are essential for long-term reduction of gang violence and promoting positive community development (job training programs, affordable housing initiatives)