NCJ Number
190045
Date Published
1999
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This report -- one of six that presented findings of a study of "ethnic youth gangs" in the Melbourne (Australia) metropolitan area over the period 1996-98 -- focused on Somalian youth.
Abstract
Study methods included a review of relevant literature, the collection of existing relevant information and statistical data, interviews with 20 youth across 5 different areas of Melbourne (total of 100 youth) that had a high incidence of ethnic youth gang activity, interviews with 20 youth with an Somalian background, and the use of youth and community workers to contact youth and conduct the interviews. The 20 Somalian youth interviewed generally had strong ties to family, and all were Muslims who identified strongly with their religion. Almost all were engaged in some type of schooling. Most of their families were financially disadvantaged, depending on State benefits of some kind. The youth had relatively little direct experience of "gangs," which they tended to define as groups who engaged in regular illegal activities, although some had been involved in fights with other ethnic minority youth. Most group associations of the youth were related to social activities and common interests. Generally, the youth were remarkably law-abiding and committed to mainstream institutions. Recommendations focused on improvements in the resettlement process, the use of specific spaces and facilities, education in cross-cultural issues, anti-racist education, youth reconciliation projections, conflict resolution and anti-violence strategies, and special services for violent and gang-related youth. 14 tables and 47 references