Gang Membership and Crime Victimization among Pris

Authors: Katrina A Rufino Kathleen A Fox Glen A Kercher

Publish Date: 2011/08/26

Volume: 37, Issue: 3, Pages: 321-337

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Abstract

Prior research has only recently begun to examine the relationship between gang membership and crime victimization and much remains unknown about the descriptive nature of the gangvictimization link especially among incarcerated populations The current study aimed to contribute to the emerging gangvictimization literature by examining 1 characteristics of victimization for gang and nongang members 2 descriptors of gang membership comparing victimized to nonvictimized gang members and 3 characteristics of gang membership conduct comparing victimized to nonvictimized gang members A sample of both gang and nongang member prison inmates in Texas were interviewed and answered a series of questions regarding involvement in crime and experiences with victimization Results indicate that gang members were significantly more likely to be victimized compared to nongang members and gang members were more likely to be alone and under the influence of substances when victimized Characteristics of membership and gang member conduct by victimization status are also presentedThis research was funded by the Crime Victims Institute at Sam Houston State University The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the funding agency or those of the participating correctional facilities The authors would like to thank the prison administrators and inmates who participated in this researchThe research contained in this document was coordinated in part by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Project 582AR09 The contents of this document reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice

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