My report aimed to explore how young women affected by youth violence face de-prioritisation, credibility judgment, and adultification, while examining why they feel disbelieved and powerless. It also highlights where these girls and young women found respect and belonging after experiencing marginalisation, and presents their views on peer groups, emphasising themes of coercive control and patriarchy.

I conducted a literature review and interviews with five women and two men who self-identified as having been affected by youth violence, and a policy and research manager for a national charity. I analysed the literature review and data collected to conclude with the following findings and recommendations.

Addressing the issue of girls and young women affected by youth violence feeling unheard and disbelieved is urgent. Incorporating lived experience experts in policing strategy and creating public scrutiny groups for violence against women and girls’ (VAWG) responses are essential. Interviewees emphasised the need for girls to feel respected and included in education, particularly during transitions and for those removed from mainstream schools. Integrating VAWG reduction into youth violence strategies is critical to avoid further marginalisation and to recognise the complexity of their experiences.

While concern has grown in recent years about the extent of gang activity in Britain, the ways in which girls and young women are affected tends to be overlooked or distorted. This research aimed to address this gap by investigating how those working closely with young women defined their gang-association and what they believed to be the most effective way of responding to this. It looked to a small but vibrant number of voluntary and community sector organisations (VCSOs) to see how they have responded to meet girls' needs through their work and the challenges they faced in delivering this.