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Description

Gang affiliation has been associated with an increased risk of exposure to violence and other high-risk behavior(Wolff et al., 2020). The relationship between gang association, high-risk sexual behavior, and sexual victimization among male and female youth and young adults requires further evaluation. This systematic review examines how gang involvement influences the outcomes of sexual victimization and engaging in risky sexual behavior such as multiple partners, unprotected sexual intercourse, ect. This systematic review includes peer-reviewed empirical studies focusing on the youth and young adult population with gang involvement. The findings consistently found that gang-involved youth and young adults have an increased risk of sexual victimization, sexual coercion, sex trafficking, illegal sexual behaviors, and risky sexual behaviors (Franchino-Olsen & Martin, 2022; Petering, 2016). These findings highlight the need for further research to best serve this population.

Publication Date

4-30-2026

Keywords

Gang involvement, sexual victimization, sex trafficking, risky sexual behavior, youth

Gang Involvement and Sexual Risk Among Youth and Young Adults: A Systematic Review of Victimization, Exploitation, and High Risk Behaviors

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