In March, Race on the Agenda released the Female Voice in Violence, containing testimonials from former girl gang members. This distressing report shed light on the growing problem that is happening within the confines of estates in London and other cities like Leeds. “ It’s easier to join a gang because you’ll get respect, you won’t be victimised.” Often the initiations into these gangs are violent and include rape or mugging.
St Giles trust is one of the few charities that help young women deal with leaving the gang life and get settled into a normal everyday life, helping with housing and finding jobs.
Once a member of the gang leaves they are under threat of reprisal and as one former gang member shows, it is easier to leave the area where the gang resides, altogether. The charity is helping her along with the process. However, many young girls wouldn’t end up in prison if there was protection out there. “More needs to be done for ladies and we are looking to create a project that focuses on helping girls to leave gangs”.
It is clear that charities like this are really benefiting these women’s lives, but there is a long way to go, until the government can get a grasp on gang issues.
