For one, being a part of a gang gives a young person a sense of family and belonging. Especially for an individual that has no parental role model in their life and nothing else going for them, a gang can become their new family. Gang membership can also mean that the individual has protection. Because gang members are considered family and want to protect those who belong to their gang, the individual might feel safe from potential harm that come from being a part of a gang. Being a part of a gang fulfills the needs of “the desire for status, sense of belonging, perceived protection and respect” (Dong & Krohn,