Long Term Impact of Gang Affiliated Partner Violence Victimization in Adolescence: Health and Criminal Justice Implications for Young Adult Latinas

• In Event: Latin@ Criminology Panel 1: Setting a New Agenda for Research, Policy, and Justice

Abstract

As gang activity in the U.S. continues to steadily increase, adolescents and young adults living in low-income neighborhoods are at disproportionate risk for violence offending and victimization. While research on youth violence has generally focused on males, we know much less about the females in these contexts that are particularly vulnerable to violence victimization (including sexual assaults, dating violence and intimate partner violence) given their connection with delinquent gang involved young men. This presentation will discuss the extent to which partner violence victimization trajectories that begin in adolescence continue into young adulthood among Latina (Mexican American) women. Findings are based upon a 15-year follow up study with Mexican-American young adult women with histories of adolescent male gang affiliation. Findings indicate detrimental health consequences and low rates of help seeking utilization, especially when it comes to resources from the criminal justice system (i.e. seeking protection orders). Discussed are the factors that contribute to being less likely to disclose victimization to police, health care workers or ER personnel including cultural factors such as gender roles, belief in preserving family unit, shame, and patriarchal structures. The cumulative long-term effect of adolescent partner violence victimization among these young women is an increasing public health and criminal justice system concern that warrants attention.

Author

• Alice Cepeda, University of Southern California