Why is it important to avoid gang involvement?
Compared to non-gang members, gang members commit a disproportionate amount of violent crimes and offenses across the country. Gangs and gang involvement result in short- and long-term negative outcomes for gang-involved youth, their friends and families, and the surrounding communities.
When did gang violence start?
History. The earliest American street gangs emerged at the end of the American Revolutionary War in the early 1780s. However, these early street gangs had questionable legitimacy, and more serious gangs did not form until at least the early 1800s.
How can gang related violence be prevented?
Be proactive.
- Tell your parents, a school counselor, or a police officer immediately if you are approached by a gang member attempting to recruit you.
- Let gang members know you respect them but you are not interested in joining a gang.
- Avoid areas where gang members hang out.
- Attend school regularly and work hard.
Is gang a negative word?
“The word wasn’t originally negative but underwent pejoration,” says Rod Evans, author of more than a dozen language books, including “Thingamajigs and Whatchamacallits: Unfamiliar Terms for Familiar Things” (Perigree). “The word was used to refer to a group of workers before designating criminals.”
What does gang mean slang?
GANG means “Group of People” and “Cool.” Here is more information about each of these definitions of GANG, with examples of use.
How do we stop the violence?
Tips for Youth to Stop Violence
- Tell someone. If you are the victim or are witness to violence, tell someone.
- Take all violence and abuse seriously.
- Take a stand.
- Be an individual.
- Take back the power.
- Remember, putting others down doesn’t raise you up.
- Wrong.
- Be a friend.
How does gang violence affect education?
Specifically, students who are gang members are possibly more likely than non-gang members to have higher levels of school truancy, substance use and risky peers, and in turn, their levels of school violence perpetration and victimization will most likely increase.
Can a gang be good?
By definition, gangs are entities that engage in criminal behaviours. To this end, no, gangs are not good for society, and in most cases gangs end up being harmful to gang members themselves. While that is a definitive answer, it is also an easy answer and one that lacks adequate context.
How can I help to reduce violence in my community?
Set up a Neighborhood Watch or a community patrol, working with police. Make sure your streets and homes are well-lighted. Make sure that all the youth in the neighborhood have positive ways to spend their spare time, through organized recreation, tutoring programs, part-time work, and volunteer opportunities.