Youth Gun & Gang Violence

Facts about firearm deaths

  • In 2022, there were more than 48,000 firearm-related deaths in the United States according to mortality data. That’s about 132 people dying from a firearm-related injury each day.
    • More than half of firearm-related deaths were suicides and more than four out of every 10 were firearm homicides.
  • In 2022, firearm injuries (all types), were among the five leading causes of death for people ages 1-44 in the U.S. 
  • Firearm injuries were the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1-19.
  • Men account for 86% of all victims of firearm death and 87% of firearm injuries

Source- ISTSS- University of Michigan

Firearm homicide rates are highest among…
  • Teens and young adults ages 15-34
  • Black or African American persons
  • American Indian or Alaska Native persons
  • Hispanic or Latino persons

Source- ISTSS- University of Michigan

Firearm suicide rates are highest among…
  • Adults aged 75 and older
  • American Indian or Alaska Native persons
  • Non-Hispanic White persons

Source- ISTSS- University of Michigan

Note: Social and structural inequities drive the rates of violence and suicide within these specific populations and communities. Source– CDC.

Additional data sources
School shooting information and resources

Prevention

Source- CDC vital signs

  • Project ChildSafe emphasizes the importance of storing firearms unloaded and locked, with ammunition secured separately. They provide safety kits, brochures, tip sheets, and other educational materials and resources.
  • Children’s Safety Network– website that provides information about multiple child safety issues and addresses prevention and provides resources for support and help
  • CDC firearm injury and death prevention tips

Facts about gang violence

  • Gangs are present in all areas of the US and internationally.
  • Youth gangs are found in urban, suburban, rural areas, and small cities. Small cities and rural areas are were youth gang activity is most prevalent.
  • Gang members are primarily 5-17 years old and more commonly female.
    • Many teens join gangs for a sense of belonging, comradery, and protection as well as immediate sources of gratification, like money or thrills.
    • Females are more likely to join gangs when they are searching for safety, protection, and security that they don’t get at home*.

Source- FFT LLC

Tips for parents

There are many signs that parents and guardians can use to tell if a child may be involved in gang activity. These include:

  • Having unexplained money, expensive new items, or clothing
  • Wearing clothing of all one type, style, or color, or changing appearance with special haircuts, tattoos or other body markings
  • Using of hand signs, special slang or words with hidden messages, or having gang graffiti on walls or personal items
  • Associating with known gang members
  • Withdrawing from family, not obeying curfews, changing or worsening attitude with adults and peers
  • Using or possessing drugs
  • Carrying weapons

Source- AACAP

Additional data sources

Note- There was limited research done regarding youth gangs. If there is a more recent youth gang survey conducted and published, please let me know. Thanks!

Prevention and resources

  • National Gang Center- Inform, equip, and train communities to prevent gang violence, reduce gang involvement, and suppress gang‐related crime
  • Brother to Brother Mentoring- assist youth and community members involved in or are at-risk of gang activity through mentorship, guidance, and empowerment. Located in California
  • Grasp– Gang rescue and support project in Colorado

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