Female gangs are an interesting phenomenon and have been involved in gangs since gangs were ever around. As the female population being incarcerated is going up slowly in recent years so has the slight rise in female gang members. The most common reason given by girls for joining gangs is "protection", usually from other girls, but sometimes from sexual or physical abuse by the father. Another big reason was rebellion by girls towards their parent(s). They didn’t want to have to follow the rules or stated they didn’t get along with their parents. Many times they just wanted the power and freedom to do whatever they wanted and gangs provided that need to have fun. Their gang friends often replaced their family and provided a sense of belonging. Many times an older female(s) take on the role of the mother and advisor to the younger ones.

In the past, females have been associated with their male counterparts in such acts as holding weapons or drugs for the male members. They may also be used to lure gang rivals to certain locations so they can be victimized or to gather intelligence on rivals and sometimes even police. Sometimes they run websites like "MySpace" to run gang communications.

They are often seen as "tools" by male members. Many times females are "sexed into a gang". They do not get much respect and are usually only recognized as associates or even worse as "ghetto rats" and not members at all. They’re often treated as sex objects and may only be allowed to hang around in crash pads and gang houses as long as she puts out for the males. She may see many examples of how other girls in the gang do this and feel it is ok for herself.

In prison or jail, they may be subject to violence but less than they may see on the street. They may feel safer in jail and clean up their drug habit. Often when they come into custody they have ugly sores and abscesses all over their body from drug abuse. Many times they leave looking much better physically than when they were booked in. They may be suffering from severe emotional and mental problems, which if left untreated, will likely cause them to return.

At first look, these statistics may appear alarming; however, the vast majority of violent crime committed in America is still done by boys. Girls made up a small percentage of the overall numbers of violent crime in 1984 and still do today. Girls are 3 times more likely than boys to be involved in "property offenses" and larceny. (Curry, Ball, and Fox 1994).

According to a recent survey of the criminal records of 100 female gang members who have been incarcerated in major urban juvenile facilities, jail, or prison, the most common felony convictions were for Drugs, Theft, TMV’s, Assault, and Robbery. Females often start out their criminal careers shoplifting with other girls or joyriding with guys, they also start doing drugs which was their most common conviction, and may eventually turn to prostitution to support their habit if they remain on the streets. Most females do not stay in gangs, many respond quite well to counseling, and later raise families. Many times, a bulldog female or aggressive females will attempt to control the housing unit by intimidating weaker inmates and demanding sexual favors for protection. (Morales 2003)

One common problem females face in the community, and even when they are locked up, is that the system and assistance programs are often geared towards males. Females may be directed to "Arts & Crafts or Sowing Programs" while the males are taught a more marketable job skill. In jail and prison, girls usually make up less than 5-10% of the total gang membership, but many are known gang associates.

In prison or jail, they may be subject to violence but less than they may see on the street. They may feel safer in jail and clean up their drug habit. Often when they come into custody they have ugly sores and abscesses all over their body from drug abuse. Many times they leave looking much better physically than when they were booked in. They may be suffering from severe emotional and mental problems, which if left untreated, will likely cause them to return.

(14-17 Exerts from Varrio Warfare: Violence in the Latino Community 2000)

Fight or Flight?

Many times disputes between females will be verbal and they may be ok to co-exist after a short "cooling off period". Males tend to hold grudges and will get into a physical confrontation or a "Code Blue" situation often months after a perceived insult. They may not tell authorities they had a problem with another male. The "fight syndrome" is stronger with the males. The "flight syndrome" is more common with females. They are more likely to communicate with a third party and ask for help to avoid conflicts and try to hash them out. Still, females have been generally found to have a higher number of Keep Separates From or Enemies in Custody. Many times these are disputes over males or other females that have not been worked out yet. This compounds problems in that there are very few female units to begin with and a shortage of deadlock or Administrative Segregation space for female offenders.

Female STG’s/gang members can disrupt the entire unit. They generally have foul mouths, many times even worse than the guys do! They may scream out loud and use the words "Bitches and Ho's". This is really a "defense mechanism" from other females and many times they have been called these names in the past by abusive males. The word "Jaina or Hyna" does not mean "Bitch", it is a Calo or Chicano Slang word that means "girlfriend" just like "Wuisa or Ruca" means, but "Cabrona or Puta" are put downs that means "Bitch" and "Ho". Many of femaels are really scared and fearful of what others may do to them based on past experiences of violence. They usually prefer to wear pants on the streets, not dresses, and don't consider themselves to be "lady-like". Again, many females whether gang or non-gang affiliated came from dysfunctional families. Many times females are addicted to drugs or alcohol and will have a harder time withdrawing or detoxing than the guys. But, they can be helped!