Many people believe that gangs are made up of boys and young men, usually from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The reality is very different.
Girls and young women are targeted and groomed by gang members, and used to to either transport drugs and weapons around the country, or to hold said drugs and weapons and keep them 'safe'.
Latest reports suggest that up to 34% of children involved in gangs are girls. Young women and girls who are in gangs are at serious risk.
Sadly, girls and young women who have been groomed have the illusion that love is carrying a knife or drugs for their boyfriend. They believe the more useful they are to their 'boyfriends' the more it shows how much they love him and he will not want or need another girlfriend. The majority of these girls are vulnerable and have already experienced complex trauma and have abandonment and attachment issues. They are eager to please these boys / men who show an interest in them. Often these girls and young women are already broken and have extremely low self esteem.
Relationships, reputation and fear are often the reasons girls join gangs. However, it's mostly through relationships. These so called relationships leave these young women and girls at serious risk of exploitation and abuse. They are at risk of sexual violence as well as physical violence.
Girls and young women are being groomed with gifts and empty promises. They are given a nice handbag, a nice pair of trainers and money to get their nails and lashes done and they believe this to be confirmation of his love for them. Fast forward a few days and she is now being asked to hold large quantities of drugs in her nice new handbag, she is asked to jump on a train to a coastal area with the drugs in her handbag. And sadly, she does this so willingly because she now believes she is so important to him that he trusts her to do these things. Out of everyone around him- he chose her.
She has no idea of the reality awaiting her at the other end of the Trainline...
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