This new study by Rockwool Research Foundation compares the experiences of refugees who were placed in different residential areas across Denmark when they were under the age of 15, during the period 1986 - 1998. The areas chosen have very different profiles when it comes to criminal gang activity, and according to the report this has affected these refugees as adults.

Interesting conclusions from the study include the following:

• The presence of criminal gang activity in a residential area increases the risk of teenage motherhood among refugee girls.
• Growing up in an area with prevalent criminal gang activity has long-term consequences for refugee labour market attachment.
• Encounters with criminal gang activity are more important than other local circumstances in defining the path of a refugee.

Comparison between the two municipalities of Albertslund and Nørre Aaby, for example, shows big differences. In Albertslund, 8 in 1 000 refugee men aged 15 - 26 are convicted of group violence. In Nørre Aaby, the rate is 3 in 1 000. Further, the crime rate refugee among boys under the age of 19 is 20% higher in Albertslund than in Nørre Aaby. The same comparison cannot be made among girls, but another difference can be observed: refugee girls growing up in areas with a higher incidence of criminal gang activity are at greater risk of becoming mothers during their teenage years. The study finds that these children are mostly conceived with men who are involved in criminal gang activity.

The presence of criminal gang activity in their area also affects the labour market connections of refugee residents, according to the study. The research finds that it can lead to lower employment levels and education involvement among refugee boys, and among refugee girls lower incomes and increased dependence on welfare support.