Mareros and Pandilleros in Honduras: the Reintegration of Youth Gang Members
FACULTY OF LAW DEANS OFFICE TIENSESTRAAT 41 3000 LEUVEN Academic year 2013 - 2014 Mareros and pandilleros in Honduras: the reintegration of youth gang members Promoter: Prof. S. PARMENTIER Co-promoter: dr. B. VAN WIJNENDAELE Dissertation, presented by ELLEN VAN DAMME, for the final examination of the degree of MASTER OF CRIMINOLOGICAL SCIENCES Abstract The focus of this dissertation is on the reintegration of youth gang members in Honduras. The aim of this qualitative research is to broaden the knowledge of reintegration processes and programs in one specific country in Central America, namely, Honduras. A sample of fourteen interviews with stakeholders in the field of maras and pandillas is being investigated and the results revealed some similarities between the different methods of reintegration. Our data suggest that a comprehensive process, including the family, school, community, and governmental support via social politics is necessary to give the youngster a platform where he can reintegrate himself into society, and refrain from committing any criminal behavior. However, most respondents agreed upon the fact that leaving a gang is very difficult and includes high risks, the most infringing being assassination. Most stakeholders call for more investment in prevention at an early stage, i.e. before a youngster gets related to a gang. Acknowledgements This dissertation is made possible with the help of many people, which I would like to thank. First of all I want to thank my promoter, Prof. dr. Stephan Parmentier and co-promoter, dr. Barbara Van Wijnendaele, for their guidance and enthusiasm throughout this dissertation. I would also like to express my gratitude towards the University Arbitration Committee on Risk Destinations, which approved my research application.
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