The problems of gangs and youth violence cross all ethnic, financial, and social barriers. Gangs and youth violence are problems in the suburbs, small communities, large cities, and rural America – every segment of society can be affected by gangs and youth violence. Hundreds of thousands of young people and adults in the United States are either in gangs, engaged in youth violence, buy drugs from gang members, or flirt with joining a gang.
 
While gangs and youth violence issues vary from community to community, one truth remains constant – preventing gangs from either forming or becoming well established in a community is better than the alternative of waiting until gangs become enmeshed in neighborhoods before a community is willing to address the issue.
 
Every community should be concerned about gangs, even if gangs have not yet been introduced into the community. Compared to people not in gangs, gang members are more likely to: commit violent crimes, possess and use guns, possess and distribute drugs, create fear in neighborhoods, have problems in school, cause businesses to suffer financially, and negatively affect property values.
 
Gangs and youth violence are a community problem, and everyone has a role to play in decreasing youth violence in the community.  Our materials on Gangs and Youth Violence can help.