Women, Girls In Gangs: Focus Of Aptos Conference

APTOS, CA — The role of women and girls in gangs is not often discussed. The Criminal Justice Council of Santa Cruz County wants to change that.

On Sept. 27, the CJC will host a free conference at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos for criminal justice and community service providers. The event will include experts on the role of women and girls in gangs and young women with lived experience in gangs.

The keynote speaker for "The Role of Women and Girls in Gangs" is Mississippi State University sociologist Dr. Tara Sutton. She will discuss her work on the subject and provide insights into the dynamics of female involvement in gangs.

"This event will provide Criminal Justice Council partners and the community with valuable insights into a widely overlooked phenomenon. We hope this event can provide local partners valuable insights that will be useful in diverting women and girls away from gangs," said Santa Cruz County Supervisor and Criminal Justice Council Chair Zach Friend.

"We often focus on boys and men involved in gangs, but the impacts of gang lifestyles on girls and women can equal, if not exceed, those of their male counterparts," Watsonville Police Chief David Honda said. "I invite everyone interested in this topic and gang violence prevention to join us."

Local criminal justice or community service providers interested in attending this free event can register at surveymonkey.com/r/santacruzcjc

Created over 30 years ago, the CJC works to reduce youth involvement in gangs by fostering coordination and cooperation between government, nonprofit, educational and criminal
justice partners and focusing on prevention and intervention as well as reentry programs.

The Sept. 27 symposium takes place from 8 a.m. to noon. Twin Lakes Church is located at 2701 Cabrillo College Drive in Aptos. The event will take place in the church's Monschke Hall.