Victims of Gang Violence (From National Victim Assistance Academy, P 22.3.1 - 22.3.20, 2000, Anne Seymour, Morna Murray, eds. et al., -- See NCJ 184052)

• NCJ Number: 184080
• Author(s): Anne Seymour; Jane Sigmon
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 20 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; OVC Resource Ctr
• Publication Series: OVC Others
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter examines gang-related violence and victim assistance.

Abstract

The conservative estimate of nationwide gang-crime activity, based on law enforcement reports, is 8,625 gangs, 378,807 gang members and 437,066 gang-related crimes for 1993. A more reasonable estimate is 16,643 gangs, 555,181 gang members and 580,331 gang-related crimes for 1993. Among state prison inmates who were gang members, 81 percent reported past drug use and 69 percent said they manufactured, imported or sold drugs as a group. The problem of gangs is reaching a critical point in many communities. Communities are affected as they struggle to pay for law enforcement strategies to combat the operation and spread of gang violence. No one can place a dollar amount on the loss of life and the physical and emotional suffering experienced by victims and neighborhoods under gang siege. The chapter presents a psychological and sociological model of a typical gang member and gang, as well as law enforcement intervention/suppression programs and prevention efforts. It also examines victims’ rights and needs, which have unique aspects when perpetrators are gang members, along with components of a model victim advocacy approach.