Findings show that rates and incidents of gang-related youth violence are not randomly distributed, but rather perpetrated and experienced by a small number of people, in concentrated areas that are the most vulnerable to economic hardship and social exclusion. In order to address the issue of gang involvement and violence among youth and young adults, it is necessary to develop a coordinated approach that addresses underlying issues of child poverty, inadequate housing, barriers to education, unemployment, mental health, racism, and discrimination. For a more effective response to challenges posed by youth involvement in gangs in Canada, it is necessary to develop clear and measurable indicators to guide objectives, target efforts, and benchmark successes. This article calls for a shift to a more comprehensive, equitable, and long-term solution that requires greater awareness of the complexities surrounding issues of crime and safety, and the political will to confront these issues. Table, graph, and references