Girl Gangs

1
Girl Gangs

• Lee-Ann Liles
• 264 Tween Materials
• 06.29.2012

2
Statistics

• The average age of a female gang member is 24
  years.
• The average recruitment age for girls 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.
• 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 to girls joining gangs

• Learning disabilities and 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 Gangs
Gangs are more active in smaller cities and rural
counties. Every city in the U.S. with at least
250,000 people has gang activity.
7
Girl Gangs are often Misunderstood

• 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 Entity

• Girl gangs were once thought to be dependent on
  their male counterparts, acting as bait for
  other gangs.They were recently found to be a
  separate entity with the ability to gain their
  own status in the community. Girls can organize
  their own gangs, display masculine behavior,
  carry guns and commit violent and illegal acts.

9
Disguise Masking Techniques

• 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 for Parents and Teachers

• Teach kids early about gangs.
• Introduce them to problem solving and conflict
  resolution skills.
• 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.
• Listen to them.
• Be a positive example yourself.

12
Recommendations

• Big Brothers and Big Sisters. (2012). Children
  and gangs info training. Retrieved from
• http//www.google.com/url?satrctjqesrcssou
  rcewebcd2ved0CFgQFjABurlhttp3A2F2Fwww.bb
  bs.org2Fatf2Fcf2F257B75B46C48-D5A9-4901-BBE1-D
  BBF375A1D96257D2FChildren2520and2520Gangs2520
  info2520Training.pptei6rntT72fOejN6QGZ_KibCgus
  gAFQjCNGxSelM4LdXzM4pcRS8mb4u1LMFgQsig2srcim_cT
  IMlAotTVV0N-MA
• Gangs and at risk kids. (2010). Retrieved from
  http//www.gangsandkids.com/gstats.html
• Friedman, L. (2010). The descriptive essay
  Gangs. Detroit Greenhaven Press.
• Johnson, J. (2008). Bullies and gangs. Minnesota
  Stargazer Books.