Perpetration-induced trauma in gang members: defying stereotypes and understanding (another) barrier for rehabilitation

• In Event: Critical Perspectives on Victims and Perpetrators

Abstract

The concept of Perpetration-Induced Traumatic Stress (PITS - MacNair, 2002) suggests that the act of inflicting harm on others in itself may constitute a traumatic event for the offender. It has been applied in contexts where the act of inflicting harm is "justified" and accepted by society in general, as in the case of war veterans, police officers, executioners, and medical practitioners. Only recently has research began looking at criminal offences as a source of trauma in offenders.
In the case of gang members, this is a population that is in a unique position for polytraumatization, where individuals are much more likely to witness violence, perpetrate, and be at the receiving end of such violence, in comparison to their non-gang related counterparts. This specific environment poses a higher risk for the normalization of traumatic experiences, however, their effects linger on, impacting individuals both mentally and physically.
A rapid review of the literature on gangs and trauma was conducted across three databases, alongside a qualitative study using multiperspective IPA to frame perpetrator trauma within the context of gang membership. Perspectives from different groups were analysed, namely: family members of people associated with gangs; friends/ associates; and professionals who had worked with people involved in gangs.
The findings are discussed in light of the rehabilitation process for people who were involved in gangs, discussing how a trauma-informed practice in the treatment of perpetrators may yield better results. Additionally, results from this study fuel the important discussion on social stigma and current policy.

Author

• Filipa Godinho Duarte, Nottingham Trent University