The Relationship Between Desistance from Gang Involvement and Victimization Among Youth in Residential Placement

• In Event: Interpersonal Interactions Within the Juvenile Justice System

Abstract

Despite the fact that youth often report joining a gang to seek protection, it is well-established that gang-involved youth are at a significantly higher risk for victimization than their nongang peers. Most of what is known about victimization among gang-involved youth comes from prior studies of youth in community settings, and it is unknown whether these findings can be generalized to youth in residential placement. Using data from the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement, this study examines patterns of victimization among youth in residential placement facilities. Findings indicate that gang involvement in residential placement is positively associated with multiple forms of victimization. However, desistance from gang membership resulted in rates of victimization among gang members that were no different from those of youth who had never been involved in gangs. This study presents a further specification regarding the nature and contexts of the relationship between gang association and victimization.

Authors

• James D. Clark, National Gang Center

• Amanda B. Gilman, Washington State Center for Court Research

• Meena Harris, Institution for Intergovernmental Research

• James Howell, National Gang Center