My clinical research in A&E showed me the vulnerable face of gangs and violence
It was my job one day to talk to a gang member. He was 18 and had been admitted to A&E with a fractured eye socket. Reports said he had instigated a fight and that he was known to be involved in street gangs. He had already been aggressive to staff and hospital security had been called several times. The attitude in the multi-disciplinary assembly that I had attended was that he should be fixed and sent domestic as soon as possible for the staff’s sake,as much as his own. I was scared.
Violent injuries dont affect the population at random. Anyone can be unlucky, but whether you’re male and young, or you’re more likely to be affected. Belonging to an ethnic minority or living in a deprived urban area further bump up your chances. whether you’re in a street gang,your odds go up again. As well as perpetrating violence, gang members are more likely to be victims of violence.
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Source: theguardian.com