Gangs

When most of us think about the word “gang”, we think of the most extreme type of gang: a group of people who routinely commit crimes and engage in acts of violence. While there is currently no official definition of “youth gang”, they are different from youth groups in that they tend to be more organized, have some sort of leadership structure, self-identify as a group and are involved in a number of delinquent acts within the community. In 2002, there were 434 active youth gangs in Canada with a total of 7,000 members (RCMP Evironmental Scan 2006).

In general, youth gangs:

  • Carry out anti-social and delinquent behaviour (such as involvement with drugs, weapons and inappropriate sexual acts).
  • Rely on group intimidation and violence.
  • Commit criminal acts to gain power and recognition or to control certain areas of unlawful activity, especially regarding the illicit distribution of drugs (Public Safety Canada).
  • Are involved in criminal activity to varying degrees: some are involved only in low-level activity while others pose a serious criminal or violent threat.
  • Are highly diverse. They differ in size structure, sophistication, age range, racial and ethnic diversity, gender composition and permanency.
  • Attract youth from a variety of ethno-social backgrounds.
  • Are generally comprised of youth between the ages of 11 and 25, with the average age of gang members being 17 (RCMP Environmental Scan 2006).

Indicators

It is difficult to define gang violence, and this may have to do with the fact that we no longer have a concrete definition of what violence is. Here are some indications of gang violence:

  • Use of aggression to exert power in the community and to solve problems.
  • Regularly use hostility to control members, protect turf and/or for revenge.
  • Members often carry and use weapons. Knives, machetes and hammers are commonly used and guns are becoming more popular with gang members.

The following are all considered violent acts that gangs have been known to commit: stalking, intimidation, coercion, verbal attacks, humiliation, racist, sexist or homophobic insults, threats, swarmings, unwanted sexual contact, sexual or physical assaults, destroying others’ property, grabbing, pushing, kicking, slapping, shoving, choking, shootings, using or threatening to use a weapon to harm someone, and murder (RCMP Environmental Scan 2006).

Why do some people join gangs?

  • For power, money, respect and status
  • For the emotional, physical or social need to feel part of a community and to feel accepted by others
  • Gangs create a sense of excitement
  • Gangs are prevalent in their neighbourhood
  • They have friends or family who are involved in a gang
  • Lack of family, cultural or institutional support (RCMP Environmental Scan 2006)
  • They feel a need for protection (Public Safety Canada)

Facts

  • There are approximately 434 youth gangs in Canada with approximately 7,000 members (RCMP- Youth Gangs in Canada).
  • Organized crime groups hire youth gangs to collect on their gambling and drug debts, steal cars, commit violent acts and intimidate others (RCMP Environmental Scan 2006).
  • Many gangs are influenced by those in neighbouring provinces and territories and in some cases, have inter-provincial or inter-territorial networks.
  • Most provinces in Canada have some degree of youth gangs, with the highest numbers in Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Alberta. The Atlantic provinces and the territories have little or no youth gang activity.
  • Once thought just to be in larger cities like Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal, youth gangs are now found in more rural areas as well (Public Safety Canada).

What you can do

  • Recognize that you always have a choice whether to join a gang or not. Think about the advantages and disadvantages of joining a gang before you join (it becomes harder to leave the gang the longer you stay in it).
  • If you feel like your safety is threatened or that you are being pressured into joining a gang, talk to a teacher, guidance counsellor, Big Brother or Sister, coach or neighbour about your problem.
  • Choose to get involved in activities like sports, clubs, drop-in centres or volunteering. In doing so, you are both engaging in your community and keeping yourself away from gang activity.
  • Seek out friends who do not belong to a gang.
  • If you feel fearful about your environment, talk to people around you, particularly parents, teachers or the police. Think about what actions you need to take in order to make yourself feel safe and remember that joining a gang will probably not keep you safe in the long run.
  • If you are being threatened by a person to commit an illegal act on behalf of a gang, call your local police or the Kids Help Phone. If you are afraid, you don’t have to tell them exactly who the person is, but they may be able to get you some support.
  • If you think a friend might be getting involved in a gang, talk to him or her about why he or she feels the need to join, let him or her know that the behaviour in the gang may hurt others or be illegal, and encourage him or her to talk to a professional who may be able to help.

Links

Kids help phone: Gangs
Pathfinder: Books on Youth Gangs
National Forum on Youth Gangs
Youth Violence and Youth Gangs: Responding to Community Concerns
RCMP Environmental Scan 2006- Feature Focus: Youth Gangs and Guns
Public Safety Canada- Youth Gangs in Canada: What do we Know?

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