Report links paramilitaries to domestic violence cases

PARAMILITARY connections are still being used to intimidate women in domestic violence situations two decades after the Good Friday Agreement was signed.

A new University of Ulster report published today is the first of its kind, comparing findings on domestic violence during conflict to what happens afterwards.

While the use of firearms was a main finding in the 1992 study, only two victims reported their use in the new research.

It also reveals some men affiliated, or who claim to be affiliated, to paramilitary groups use these connections to exert control over their partners.

However, the study found that perpetrators of domestic violence in 2016 were no longer able to draw as readily on their paramilitary links to control their partners, as they were in 1992.

The study also reveals how some victims of domestic violence turn to paramilitary groups for “protection” rather than going to the authorities. The study was led by Emeritus Professor Monica McWilliams, the former leader of the Women’s Coalition and Northern Ireland’s former Human Rights Commissioner, and Dr Jessica Doyle,

They said the continuation of paramilitary control over women experiencing domestic violence remains a concern.

Out of 63 women interviewed in Northern Ireland for the study, nine said their partners used real or alleged paramilitary links to threaten, control or abuse them.

However, the authenticity of the connections asserted was “frequently open to question”.

Some of the victims claimed connections were fabricated with the specific intent of controlling and threatening them. Two other women interviewed said they sought protection from a paramilitary group.

This involved the group issuing a warning or a threat to the perpetrator to stop harassing or abusing the victim.

One participant spoke about requesting “somebody to speak a wee word in his ear”.

As a result, her partner stopped harassing her after many years of such behaviour.

However, the study noted turning to paramilitaries for help was less prevalent than reported in an earlier study conducted in 1992, before the ceasefires and the Good Friday Agreement.

It also found there was a significant increase in access to policing for participants, particularly those from nationalist communities. Victims are now more inclined to contact the police, who in turn have a better capacity to respond.

Ulster University Emeritus Professor Monica McWilliams said that while the peace process has made a huge difference, there is still much work to do.

“The research shows that while much progress has been made over the last 25 years, a more consistent approach is needed in preventing and providing support for domestic violence.”

Research Associate Dr Jessica Doyle added: “Domestic violence remains a key problem in our society and one that must be addressed with greater protection for victims through legislative and policy change. Preventing it has benefits not only for women but for future generations.”

The study found that links between domestic violence, suicide and other mental health problems means that healthcare professionals need more training and resources to identify and follow up on cases of domestic violence.

Also recommended is that the legislation incorporating coercive control and psychological abuse should not be delayed any further in Northern Ireland.