A Literature Review on Gang Violence

Abstract

Gangs and gang violence are a concerning cause of preventable injuries and death in the trauma community. The number of gangs and gang members has been on an upward trend since 2003 with an estimated 30,000 gangs in the United States. This includes approximately 850,000 gang members. Trauma centers are in a unique position to participate in the prevention of gang violence. This review compiles current, relevant literature on gangs and gang violence covering the following topics: prevention/intervention, contributing influences, and experiential reflections. The purpose of the literature review is to deepen understanding of gangs and gang violence and potentiate further research in this area in order to help promote successful prevention efforts. Trauma nurses can use this information in developing culturally sensitive, compassionate care and trauma centers will find this useful in the development of injury prevention programs aimed at the reduction of gang and street violence.

Syndemic Profiles for HIV, Hepatitis C, and Sextually Transmitted Infections Among Mexican American Women Formerly Affiliated with Youth Street Gangs

“…Poverty and economic marginality, along with racial/ethnic marginality, in the United States during the last few decades has led to despair and the proliferation of youth street gangs in many minoritized communities [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. A plethora of research has documented the link between youth gang membership and multiple health risks, including drug use and misuse [8,9], interpersonal violence, injury, and mortality [10][11][12][13], and risky sexual behavior (e.g., non-condom use) [14][15][16][17]. Research also consistently shows that male youth street gangs are hyper masculine in structure, status hierarchies, and activities, and, like other male-dominated settings (e.g., fraternities, military), they are important for shaping peer gender dynamics [18][19][20].…”