What violence and dangers do female gang members face if they end up in prison?
Men and women differ in how they express violence. Men tend to lean towards physical violence while females are taught to make connections and
target the friendships of others. “Studies have shown that adolescent girls express aggression by spreading rumors, damaging relationships, and emotionally abusing other girls (Adler and Adler 1998; Brown 2005; Crick and Grotpeter 1995; Simmons 2005).” This type of behavior is called relational
violence. This violence destroys the self-esteem of teenage girls that stays with them even after adolescence. When women enter gangs they know they will be subjected to this type of behavior in addition to maybe much worse.
If these female gang members get locked up, they will have to form new relationships inside the prison walls to fill the void. These inmates have no support group other than the friends they make inside and it is hard to avoid people they make problems with. This can escalate to even more relational violence or even physical violence and trouble once back on the outside. Violence for women gang members on the inside of prison is a little different from those of men. Gang life inside the female system is the same as on the outside, they need it for protection slightly but companionship mostly.
Many of the women interviewed in Trammel’s journal described their group of friends while inside as their family. One woman explained that the fights that
occur are about stuff. She explained it as childish warfare that could include who stole their money or hairbrush, talked behind their back, or even about the male prison guards. There are also sexual assaults with prison guards. According to Trammel, the inmates themselves investigate many of the
sexual encounters between the female inmates and guards. This is usually due to getting something in return, like extra food or better work detail. This again causes not physical violence but just breaks up friendships, relationships, or even families all relating back to being in desperate situations and low
self-esteem. (Trammell, 2009)
target the friendships of others. “Studies have shown that adolescent girls express aggression by spreading rumors, damaging relationships, and emotionally abusing other girls (Adler and Adler 1998; Brown 2005; Crick and Grotpeter 1995; Simmons 2005).” This type of behavior is called relational
violence. This violence destroys the self-esteem of teenage girls that stays with them even after adolescence. When women enter gangs they know they will be subjected to this type of behavior in addition to maybe much worse.
If these female gang members get locked up, they will have to form new relationships inside the prison walls to fill the void. These inmates have no support group other than the friends they make inside and it is hard to avoid people they make problems with. This can escalate to even more relational violence or even physical violence and trouble once back on the outside. Violence for women gang members on the inside of prison is a little different from those of men. Gang life inside the female system is the same as on the outside, they need it for protection slightly but companionship mostly.
Many of the women interviewed in Trammel’s journal described their group of friends while inside as their family. One woman explained that the fights that
occur are about stuff. She explained it as childish warfare that could include who stole their money or hairbrush, talked behind their back, or even about the male prison guards. There are also sexual assaults with prison guards. According to Trammel, the inmates themselves investigate many of the
sexual encounters between the female inmates and guards. This is usually due to getting something in return, like extra food or better work detail. This again causes not physical violence but just breaks up friendships, relationships, or even families all relating back to being in desperate situations and low
self-esteem. (Trammell, 2009)