Gangs Spread Through Virginia
Gangs raise question in the schools and neighborhoods of VA
Middle and High School Gangs
Over the past decade, gangs have become a larger problem in the schools of Virginia. Statistics show that there are at least 785,000 gang members in the U.S. 2% of all children in the U.S. are in these gangs. 'Close to 10,000 children in the U.S. die or suffer from severe injury from gun injuries'(Kim C. 2014). These children choose to make the choice to join a gang because of factors like the need for a sense of connection, peer pressure, a need to protect themselves and their families, and money(AACAP Team. 2011-15).
Interview With Local Student
Q: Are there any gangs in your school?
A: A few.
Q: What are the largest gangs?
A: Everyone always talks about Blood and Crip.
Q: Are you in any?
A: I say i'm a Blood but pretty everyone says that.
Q: What do you mean?
A: I don't really do all that bad stuff like drugs and stuff.
Q: Aside from the jokes, Do you believe that gangs are a real problem?
A: Yeah I guess that some of 'em are doing drugs and hurting people.
Q: Would you ever consider standing up against gangs?
A: I don't know maybe.
Q: Have you ever known who died because of gangs?
A: Not in my school but in other schools i think at least one kid died and there have been a couple shootings.
* Please note that the responses are slightly altered to keep the interview appropriate.
Effect of Gangs on Children and Teens
Many young adults and teens who become intertwined with gangs take part in legitimate crimes and drug deals. Kids often are injured or killed because of involvement with gangs.