| Updated: 11/03/2009 10:56 pm |
Published: 11/03/2009 5:47 pm
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It's estimated nearly 1 out of 10 gang members are female.
There are at least 50 gangs of teenage girls across Green Country, approximately 200 girls are involved.
Former gang member, "Melissa," shared interesting details with exclusively with Fox 23 about the violent gang initiation process and more.
"Melissa" was recruited for a Tulsa gang by a girl via MySpace at age 15. Teens are also recruited through schools, malls, parks, even churches through friends, boyfriends, and family members.
When they make a decision to join the gang, they must choose from one of three initiations:
-- roll dice (have sexual intercourse with that number of people)
-- perform a mission (shoot someone)
-- jumped (violently beaten by several members)
"I thought just because I was in a gang, I thought I had everyone's respect, but everyone was afraid of me," the former gang member said.
Just like male gangs, these groups mark their territory, plan rival gang attacks, wear distinct colors, and spawn fights. They're forced to commit violent, sometimes deadly crimes to earn respect and a reputation around town.
"Melissa" dipped in and out of school and began slacking in other areas of life.
"After I realized what I was doing was wrong, I realized it wasn't right, that's not the only choice we have in life."
"Melissa" left the gang, returned to school, and is striving to walk down the right path.
