There are also things you can do in your community to help prevent gang violence. Think about:

Focus on your family and friends: If family and friends are the source of love, guidance, and protection that youths seek, they are not forced to search for these basic needs from a gang.

Teach someone about the risk of drugs.

Stay in school: young people who successfully participate in and complete education have greater opportunities to develop into reasonable adults.

Start a graffiti removal program: Graffiti removal reduces the chance that crimes will be committed. Since gangs use graffiti to mark their turf, advertise themselves, and claim credit for a crime, quick removal is essential.

Join a conflict resolution program: thesec teach people how to deal better with conflicts and help eliminate gang intimidation tactics.

Participate in recreational programs such as sports, music, drama, and community activities help build a sense of self-worth and self-respect in young people. Youths involved in such activities are less likely to seek membership in a gang.

Here are some more Gang Violence resources on the Internet:

-Stop Gang Violence

-Mothers Against Gang Wars

-Gang information from About.com