Girls Join Gangs Seeking Safety, Belonging and Protection from Violence, Research Finds

A significant number of teenage girls are becoming involved in gangs as a way to protect themselves from violence, according to new analysis from the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF).

The research, based on a survey of nearly 11,000 young people aged 13 to 17, found that girls account for almost four in ten young people who reported gang involvement in the past year. Among those girls, around a quarter said their main reason for joining was to gain protection from violence.

An equal proportion said they were drawn in by a desire for belonging, family or emotional support, highlighting how gang involvement for girls is often rooted in vulnerability rather than criminal intent. Other common factors included pressure from peers, influence from people in their local area, and boredom or a lack of safe, positive spaces to spend time.

The YEF analysis also highlights a strong link between going missing and exploitation, with girls who go missing from home or care at far greater risk of gang involvement and associated harms. Previous studies have shown that girls involved in gangs are frequently exploited to hold, transport or store drugs and money, and are at heightened risk of abuse and violence within exploitative relationships.

While overall levels of gang involvement remain relatively low, the consequences for girls can be severe and long-lasting. The findings underline the need for gender-specific responses, including trauma-informed youth work, trusted adult relationships and coordinated safeguarding approaches that address both violence and exploitation.

The YEF report points to the effectiveness of joined-up, multi-agency interventions in helping girls exit gangs, with many citing teachers, mentors and social workers as key sources of support. Researchers stress that preventing harm requires tackling the underlying drivers — fear, isolation and lack of protection — before gangs become a perceived solution.