Youth Violence, Gangs, and Domestic Abuse: A Guide for Intervention

Posted on Oct 31, 2024 in Psychology and Sociology

Youth Groups and Gangs

Peer groups play a vital role in youth socialization and personality development. However, some young people face difficulties (e.g., family, economic, social) that can lead to antisocial or criminal behavior, including joining gangs. These groups can provide a sense of belonging and compensate for emotional or psychological shortcomings.

It’s challenging to establish a precise typology of youth groups. They range from friend groups engaging in socially accepted activities to groups of young offenders with diffuse structures. Organized gangs exhibit specific indicators:

  1. Organization
  2. Hierarchical structure
  3. Distinctive clothing styles
  4. Use of graffiti to mark territory
  5. Initiation rituals
  6. Recognized territory
  7. Permanence and continuity
  8. Links to other gangs
  9. Routine use of violence
  10. Importance of criminal activities
  11. Connection with adult criminals

In Spain, most gangs are characterized by low organization and short lifespans, with exceptions like skinhead groups. However, there’s a growing phenomenon of gangs resembling the American “gang” model.

Youth, Conflict, and Violence: School Violence and Bullying

School Violence

School violence encompasses actions harming people or property within the school environment, disrupting its normal functioning.

Bullying

“Bullying” involves ongoing physical and psychological harassment by one or more students against another. It negatively impacts the victim (decreased self-esteem, anxiety) while increasing the aggressor’s prestige and ability to intimidate and extort. This often stems from a lack of legitimate authority and the presence of illegitimate power based on violence and silence.

This violence can also extend to leisure activities. Conflicts are often perceived as provocations, leading to escalating violence. Some gangs even seek out adversaries as a form of entertainment, engaging in weekend assaults and robberies, often targeting victims’ belongings.

Police prevention efforts include ID checks and searches in high-risk areas.

Another category of violence targets specific populations based on discrimination and xenophobia (e.g., skinheads targeting vulnerable groups like the homeless or LGBTQ+ individuals).

The Cycle of Violence

Violence in relationships often escalates progressively, starting with small, easily overlooked incidents. This escalation can sometimes lead to murder.

The cycle of violence typically involves these stages:

  1. Tension building: Small incidents and conflicts accumulate.
  2. Explosion and aggression: The aggressor lashes out.
  3. Reinforcement phase: The victim tries to appease the aggressor.
  4. Remission or “honeymoon” phase: The aggressor apologizes and acts affectionately.

This cycle repeats, with the “honeymoon” phase becoming shorter over time. Domestic violence affects people across all social classes.

Reasons women stay in abusive relationships:

  1. Hope for change
  2. Maintaining family unity
  3. External pressure and criticism
  4. Isolation and lack of support
  5. Fear of poverty and instability
  6. Physical and psychological exhaustion
  7. Fear of retaliation
  8. Partner’s suicide threats
  9. Lack of awareness of rights and resources

Responding to Violence Against Women

  • Detect and prevent violent situations.
  • Protect the victim’s physical integrity and privacy.
  • Offer comfort, security, and support.
  • Avoid discouraging the victim from reporting.
  • Protect and preserve the scene for evidence collection.
  • Identify witnesses.
  • Assess, act, and communicate the incident.
  • Convince the victim to seek medical attention.
  • Inform the victim about available resources.
  • Accompany the victim to the police.

Qualities and Attitudes of Effective Police Officers

Effective police officers should possess:

  • Emotional maturity: Sensitivity to social problems and emotional control when dealing with victims.
  • Sensitivity: Awareness of the seriousness of each case and motivation to help.
  • Knowledge: Emotional and intellectual understanding of the problem.
  • Motivation: Willingness to work in challenging situations.
  • Objectivity: Avoiding prejudice and personal opinions.
  • Communication skills: Active listening, empathy, and clear communication.
  • Orientation: Providing information about available resources (judicial, aid agencies).