Gangs

Some young people can be caught up in gang culture and want out. At the same time some parents, guardians and friends may be worried about their loved ones becoming involved in gangs but don’t know what to do.

A gang is defined as ‘a relatively durable, predominantly street-based group of young people who (1) see themselves (and are seen by others) as a discernible group, (2) engage in criminal activity and violence, (3) lay claim over territory (not necessarily geographical but can include an illegal economy territory), (4) have some form of identifying structural feature; and (5) are in conflict with other, similar gangs.’