Examining the Impact of Gang Involvement on Victimization

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Research suggests that gang-involved youth are more likely than non-gang youth to experience victimization, as well as greater frequency of victimization (Gibson, et al., 2009; Taylor, et al., 2007). However, studies are less clear with respect to the drivers of this victimization – are youth at risk because of their own engagement in problem behaviors, their exposure to peers who engage in problem behavior, or simply their affiliation to gangs? This study examines the nature of the relationship between gang involvement and victimization. Data were drawn from youth (N=421; ages 11‐18; 70% male; 66% nonwhite) referred by the justice system for intensive home and community‐based treatment of problem behavior. At intake, youth reported on their rates of victimization as well as their involvement in gangs. On average, gang-involved youth had higher rates of victimization than did non-gang youth (p < .001). Gang involvement (p<.001), youth delinquency (p<.01), and age (p<.05) predicted victimization; peer delinquency and neighborhood disorder did not. Results suggest that victimization might be driven by youth delinquency and gang involvement. Additional analyses and implications for future research on victimization and gangs will be presented.

Authors

• Joanna Kubik, Rutgers University

• Paul Boxer, Rutgers University

• Bonita Veysey, Rutgers University

• Michael Ostermann, Rutgers University