Gender-specific help lacking for girls affected by violence

The research, carried out by Race on the Agenda (Rota), found that existent research into the number of girls involved in youth violence and its impact is lacking, which has resulted in a shortage of targeted help for this group.

The Female Voice in Violence Project found females involved in gang violence were highly vulnerable to rape and sexual exploitation.

The lack of a gender-specific system in place for girls who are convicted also means females are being processed in male environments that are unable to cater for their needs, the research revealed. 

Rota spokeswoman Liz Carr said: "The services available for those involved in youth violence are focused on boys, which is a real problem for girls because they have very different motivations and reasons behind their involvement in violence.

"The research highlights the pressing need not only for further research, but for gender-specific policies and services for women and girls affected by violence."

She added that more evidence and cooperation between services could help tackle the problem.

The report draws on the findings of five female volunteers who spoke to 352 friends, relatives, victims or perpetrators of youth and gang violence. 

Rota is launching a Female Voice and Violence Coalition this week to encourage an alliance of the organisations already available to females affected by youth violence.

This will be accompanied by further research in Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool to collate a nationwide report to be released later this year.