My Life in ‘Urban War’: Exploring Trauma, PTSD and Gang Violence through the Lens of a Former-Street Soldier

• In Event: Marginalization, Strain, and Mental Health in Life-Course Criminology

Abstract

When we hear the word ‘trauma’ we often conflate this term with the experiences of combat soldiers. While the current state of the art on trauma/Dissociation and PTSD has predominantly focused on the traumatic experiences of combat soldiers, less is known about other vulnerable populations who are exposed to similar types of war-related violence, including gang members (or street soldiers). Drawing on in-depth qualitative interviews my study compared and contrasted the experiences/stories of combat veterans with those of ex-gang members as a way to understand the psychological sequelae of ‘street warfare’. Building on the knowledge on combat trauma, I have developed a Trauma-Based Theory of Gang Violence that identifies how pre-existing, event-specific and post-traumatic factors may contribute to gang membership and the cycle of violence that permeates marginalized/gang-dominated communities. To explore the findings of this study, I will draw on my experiences as a former gang member to highlight how life-course trauma, memory and post-traumatic stress may contribute to gang membership and subsequent violence/gang warfare.

Author

• Adam R. Ellis, University of Toronto