There is still much to do to support women who live under the shadow of paramilitary violence and coercion, says Justice Minister Naomi Long. The Minister made the comments following the publication of a research report commissioned by Foyle’s Women’s Aid into the links between intimate partner violence and paramilitary coercive control. She said: “Today’s harrowing report highlights how much there is still to do, to support women who have faced paramilitary violence and coercion. We know that violence does not happen in a vacuum and violence against women and paramilitary violence are linked.

“Much work is being done to address paramilitary harm and break that cycle for future generations. It is imperative that we continue to work together to end the hidden harms like those we have heard about today and to provide safety for the brave women who have shared their experiences.”

After attending the event in the Ebrington Hotel in Derry, Minister Long visited the city’s Strand Road Police Station where she – along with Taoiseach Simon Harris and Chief Constable Jon Boutcher – met PSNI officers who served on the frontline during the recent disorder. The Minister paid a final visit to an Asset Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS) funded project in the Dunluce Family Centre at Ballymagroarty. The ‘Putting Young People First’ project provides early intervention by working on the streets, supporting social justice and signposting. “I have visited a number of community-based organisations in recent weeks and each visit – without fail – has been eye opening. It is not only the impact being felt in communities but what has struck me is the enthusiasm that exists in projects like this and the desire to make the community a better, safer place for all,” the Minister said.

The 'Double the Fear' Faced by Women in Northern Ireland

The report, titled 'Double the Fear', was produced by Aisling Swaine, Professor of Peace, Security and International Law at University College Dublin's (UCD) Sutherland School of Law. It explores the lived experiences of women in Northern Ireland who are subjected to both domestic abuse and paramilitary control.

The research reveals a chilling reality: women are living with a constant fear of both their abusive partners and the paramilitary organizations they are affiliated with. As one woman shared in the report, the abuse she experienced was “not just one person, it’s a whole organisation…with an abuser that’s in an organisation, you have them and the people that come along with them.”

The Hidden Harms of Coercive Control

This ‘double the fear’ is compounded by the insidious nature of paramilitary coercive control. While physical violence is a concern, it is often the subtle and pervasive forms of control that are most damaging. The report highlights how partners use their involvement in paramilitarism as a tool for intimidation and manipulation. They deliberately tell their partners about their affiliations, creating an environment of fear and dependence. “These are only words,” the report states, “yet, living with a knowing that there is group-based capacity for harm available to him, on top of his abuse, creates a feeling of living within an omnipotent system of control.”

The Invisible Impact of Paramilitary Control

Paramilitaries have long been a presence in Northern Ireland, but their impact on communities extends beyond the headline-grabbing incidents. The report exposes how the threat of reprisals and the constant surveillance and intimidation exerted by paramilitary groups infiltrate the lives of women, creating an atmosphere of fear and vulnerability. Being told “just be careful with these boys” by an abusive partner can leave women feeling trapped in a web of fear and coercion, unable to escape the control of both their partner and the paramilitary organization.

Addressing the Unseen Harms

The report’s findings highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of paramilitary violence, especially on women. It is not enough to simply address the visible acts of violence; the hidden harms of coercive control must also be recognized and addressed. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and communities themselves.

There are signs of progress. The new program for government in Northern Ireland acknowledges the significance of paramilitary gangs and the impact of the harm they inflict on communities. There is also an increased focus on early intervention and prevention of violence against women and girls.

However, the report serves as a stark reminder that there is still much work to be done. Real peace will only come when everyone can experience daily lives that are free of fear and risk of harm, inside and outside the home. The report concludes by urging authorities to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by women who experience both domestic abuse and paramilitary control. This recognition is crucial for developing effective solutions and ensuring that all women in Northern Ireland can live free from fear and violence.

A Call for Action

The report calls for a range of measures to address this complex issue. These include:

• Increased funding and support for services that work with women experiencing domestic abuse and paramilitary violence.
• Improved training for law enforcement and other professionals on the nature of coercive control and the specific challenges faced by women in Northern Ireland.
• Developing comprehensive community-based programs that address the root causes of paramilitary violence and provide support to those affected.

The report offers a crucial reminder that achieving peace requires more than simply ending the cycle of violence. It requires a deep understanding of the complex interplay of factors that contribute to violence, including the insidious effects of paramilitary coercive control. This report serves as a powerful call to action to ensure that the voices of women who live in the shadow of paramilitary violence are heard and that they receive the support they need to live safe and fulfilling lives.