Female Gangsters: Girls Who Gangbang

Female participation in gangs is not a new phenomenon. In fact, “girls have been a part of gangs since the earliest accounts from New York in the early 1800s”. However, throughout the latter half of the twentieth century, female gang activity has seen the sharpest increase in participation, especially in comparison to boys.

For example, a study found that there had been a, “50 percent increase in serious crimes by teenage gins between 1968 and 1974, compared to a 10 percent increase for boys”. In addition, arrests of girls under 18 for violent crimes rose 393 percent between 1960 and 1978, compared to 82 percent for boys” Also, compared to 1950, “youth gangs of the 1980’s and 1990’s are more numerous, more prevalent, and more violent than in the 1950’s, probably more than at any time in the country’s history”.

Now that female participation in gangs and violence is apparently on the rise, and such activity has become increasingly violent, it is important to look at current research that examines this problem and methods of prevention. –Valeree Carrasco

 Check out the documentary Girls In Gangs which gives an in depth look into female gang lifestyle. Some women are born into it, some are chosen & some choose the game.

Girls of the underworld is a topic that deeply interests me –possibly even more than the boys. I was thrilled when a friend asked me to join in production of the upcoming independent documentary Gangster Girls which gives a glimpse into the world of girl “gangsters” and their stories of redemption.

The film will reveal the perils of women that have made it out from under the grips of the underworld & the men that controlled them. It will examine specific choices that may have led them down the road to becoming affiliated with some of the most vicious and deadly gangs.