The trafficking of children for purposes of sexual exploitation

and growth.
The girls in the gang in this case study however did not choose to be associated with a gang, they
were forced through various means, including abduction to become a part of the gang and its
operations. Once in the gang however, they are confronted with a situation in which they had to
negotiate strategies for survival. These strategies relate to their emotional survival and involve
negotiating relationships with their family members and members of the gang. At times they
attempt to develop a sort of joint response to the brutality they experience. This however never
works. They are thus left to fend for themselves, individually. This expresses itself in the fact that
their plans for escape usually does not involve anyone else in the gang.
Table 6 below reflects how they were coerced into the gang and what they were coerced into doing
while in the gang. Their attempts at escape and the difficulties this presented are also reflected, to
some extent.
7. In summary
The involvement of girls in gangs has received mention in studies on gangs in relation to the lack of
power that they have in these gangs. They have also been identified as drug runners. Gang
involvement in prostitution and child prostitution, in particular however has not been related to the
presence of girls and women in gangs.
This case study shows that there is a definite link between the two. It also shows how this is not the
result of any voluntary decision on the part of the girls. The glamour that gangs are said to represent
for girls and to which they are ostensibly attracted also did not feature as a motivating factor for the
girls' involvement or their stay in the gang.
Long associations with the gang appear to be attributable to the coercion strategies employed, rather
than to any desire to stay. These coercion strategies include not only violence but also the
repayment of a parent's debt to the gang leader.
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