Gangs in Virginia:  Resources and Information for Citizens of the Commonwealth

What is ‘The Big Lie: Unmasking the Truth Behind Gangs'

As a follow up to the success of Virginia's first anti-gang video, ‘The Wrong Family,' the Office of the Attorney General identified a need to create a video for kids.  After careful collaboration with law enforcement and psychologists, ‘The Big Lie' was produced to expose the dark reality of gangs preying upon our children through lies and manipulation.  The video is a frank and unscripted documentary and presents an extraordinary opportunity for pre- and early teens to learn about the false promises gang members make to lure them into their ranks.  The video features gang members, law enforcement, and children who speak directly to the audience about gang recruiting methods, specific ways kids can avoid joining a gang, and most importantly, lifestyle choices to help them stay away from gangs.  Educating our youth about the ugly truth behind gangs and ways to stay away from gang life, gives them the tools necessary to make positive choices. 

Click here to view The Big Lie: Unmasking the Truth Behind Gangs

To request a copy of the DVD, click here.

Resources

For parents and communities, education is a critical component to preventing gangs from thriving around the Commonwealth.  Confronting the reality of criminal street gangs "head on” and providing parents, school officials, and citizen groups with the tools they need to understand the problem, is the first step in the fight against gangs.  Only when we present a united educated front against gangs will we ensure a bright future for our children.