By Mona Ruiz

Female gang membership is on the rise and part of the next generation of offenders. Understand the phenomenon of why females join gangs as well as the necessary steps for intervention and prevention.
There is direct correlation between the breakdown of the family and juvenile delinquent violence. The need for guidance, structure and discipline of offenders by law enforcement professionals, including social services and probation and parole, is ever-increasing.

Modern societal ills, such as cyber-bullying are included; familiarization with gang terminology typically used by females is presented; illustrations of graffiti and artwork unique to female gang associates is reviewed, and the significance and meaning of tattoos all are addressed to provide a better understanding of the female's participation in gang membership.