Hmong gangs
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Hmong gangs are a growing problem within the Hmong community throughout the United States. Although Hmong gangs are not as highly structured and organized as other ethnic gangs such as the crips or bloods, there has been significant growth in terms of membership. The majority of gangs are concentrated within areas of high Hmong population, mainly California, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The majority of the gang individuals are comprised of males, between the ages of 12-35.
Within the past decade, there has been several cases reported from California to Minnesota concerning solicited rape and prostitution of young Hmong girls as young as 12. In such cases, young girls were lured (or willingly cooperated) and were held captive from 2 days to several months. Although the reported cases give an insight to what activities may be developing, or occurring, the magnitude of prostitution/rape is unknown. A possible contributing factor to this may be the double-standard of the blame and shame put upon the female victim. The Hmong community values the virginity of females before marriage, and strongly holds onto conservative, traditions. Thus, female victims fear the shunning of their parents, and the community, along with the possibility of being harmed by her assailants if exposed.
