Gang Violence

Did you know that there are about 30,000 gangs and 800,000 gang members across the U.S.? In one year on average, more than 100,000 people in America are shot or killed with a gun. Victims, survivors and their families are devastated to learn that there children where part of or hurt due to gang violence. There are two main types of gangs- street gangs and prison gangs. Acts of violence perpetrated by gangs against innocent people, property, or other gangs are often the ways that gangs strike. Most gangs have gained the most control in poor urban people. Asian, black, Hispanic, white and interracial gangs exist, ranging in size from a few members to thousands. Ages range from preteen to adult, but the average age is dropping from 15 to 13 years of age. Most preteens are influenced by the environment around them or the things they see on TV. For an example: Many celebrities start out in a bad environment as a child but end up famous ….many young people look at it as an excuse rather than a heads up about the obstacles that are to come. Many gangs form due to low self-esteem and feeling that if they don’t have a gang to protect them from the streets.

In the story Payback by Paul Langan the main character Tyray wanted to get a gun feeling it was the only way to get back to the way things used to be.Through out the story he things back and often thinks about the gangs, drug dealers and sometimes his brother.Tyrays brother was just like him on his way through high school but side tracked by the street life and violence that comes with it ..........Know his brothers in jail for several years with only one way of communication(writing).Tyrays father doesint want to lose both of his sons to the streets so hes hard on him and in the end I feel it pays off  for having someone there to help when your going through hard times .

People at risk:

• living in poor, inner-city areas
• being non-White
• being in a gang or using alcohol or drugs
• living in a home with domestic (family) violence
• males see more community violence than do females and are at more risk for physical attacks
• females are at more risk for sexual assault

What can we do?

 The best thing for a child is a caring adult. If a child experinces violence, spend time with the child. Be sure the child understands that you are there to listen.  Answer questions honestly using words that your child understands. There are many things that parents can do like driving children to school and back .If the parent does not have a car they can walk or take the bus with the child (sit back and watch the enviorment that your child is surrunded by. Note how behavior changes.....Does your child shut themself up in the house and never want to go outside?Remember there are always signs of being a part of Gang violence.