Gang Affiliation, Sexual Victimization, and Mental Health Among Female Justice-Involved Adolescents

• In Event: Victimization of Youth and Justice-Involved Persons

Abstract

Gang membership is associated with adverse outcomes, including heightened mental health issues, diminished educational prospects, and an elevated risk of early mortality. While extensive research has been conducted on the risk of violent victimization within gangs, the aspect of sexual victimization among female gang members has received little attention. Utilizing data from the Northwestern Juvenile Project (NJP), which surveyed 1,829 adolescents during 1995-1998 with a focus on female participants (N = 657), this study investigates the association between gang affiliation, sexual victimization, and mental health among justice-involved females. Logistic regression revealed that gang embeddedness, not gang membership, was associated with sexual victimization for girls. Additionally, having a current diagnosis of a mood disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder was associated with experiencing sexual victimization. Demographic variables such as age and race were also significantly related to sexual victimization. This study illuminates the complexities of gang involvement and victimization, highlighting the need for holistic interventions that address both mental health issues and victimization within gang contexts.

Authors

• Rebekkah Lauren Gross, University of Cincinnati

• John Leverso, University of Cincinnati

• Brittany E. Hayes, University of Cincinnati