The Influence of Gang Presence on Sexual Harassment in One Middle School Environment

• In Event: Promoting School Safety and Security: Considering the Impact of Student Support on Student Engagement

Abstract

Gang membership has been identified as one of the peer-related predictors of youth violence. Engagement in sexually harassing and homophobic teasing behavior among middle school youth involved with gangs suggests a risk that these youth may be prone to engage in behaviors that will victimize others. Our goal with this study was to explore the relationship between gang membership/presence of gangs in a middle school on the experiences of sexual harassment from the perspectives of both bullies and victims. We interviewed students attending a low SES school known for having gangs. Students were asked to talk about their experiences with gang members and describe the type of sexual harassment they had experienced or witnessed.

Authors

• Anjali J. Forber-Pratt, Vanderbilt University - Peabody College

• Steven R. Aragon, Texas State University

• Dorothy L. Espelage, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign