NI Young People Still Experience Paramilitary-related Trauma - Report

Getty Images A hand behind the back of someone dressed in paramilitary uniform — Almost a third of respondents reported conflict-specific adverse childhood experiences

Young people in Northern Ireland continue to experience trauma linked to paramilitary activity almost 27 years after the Good Friday Agreement.

That’s according to new research commissioned by the executive programme on paramilitarism and organised crime.

The study also highlighted that Troubles-related trauma was disproportionately concentrated in socio-economically disadvantaged communities.

The research was led by Dr Colm Walsh from Queen’s University Belfast alongside academics from Ulster University, Impact Research Centre and the Regional Trauma Network.

The study found that 60% of the adult population in Northern Ireland reports at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), with nearly one in five experiencing four or more incidents.

More specifically, 30% of respondents reported conflict-specific adversities, including witnessing violence (47.5%), receiving paramilitary threats (12.2%), and conflict-related bereavement (8.7%).

‘Adversary is highly prevalent’

The research found adverse childhood experiences were concentrated in disadvantaged communities

Getty Images Black and white mural of two paramilitary gunmen holding guns and wearing balaclavas on a wall in east Belfast — The research found adverse childhood experiences were concentrated in disadvantaged communities

Speaking to BBC News NI, Dr Walsh, said: “As you would expect, people in the older age groups are much more likely to say that they have experienced conflict-related trauma.”

What he described as “interesting” and “contrary to what you would assume” is that there was still exposure among younger age groups, such as 18 to 24-year-olds.

“We still see them reporting that they’ve been exposed to conflict-related violence, directly and indirectly, as well as paramilitary threats, which is kind of fascinating,” he added.

“It’s really interesting that we still see this exposure [in younger individuals].”

Dr Walsh said those who are exposed to conflict-related trauma are “more likely to develop complex mental health issues”, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

He added individuals are also more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour, such as substance abuse, and are more likely to “exclude themselves and overall not function very well”.

He said the findings highlight that “adversary in Northern Ireland is highly prevalent and impactful” and is a “burden that cuts across all of our systems – health, justice, education, communities”.

“There’s almost a cascading knock-on effect of difficulty, harm clusters, that is what we see.”

‘Striking and sobering’

Justice Minister Naomi Long described the findings of the report as “significant” which “will impact and inform policy and delivery across the Executive”

PA Media Naomi Long who has red hair, speaking into a microphone — Justice Minister Naomi Long described the findings of the report as “significant” which “will impact and inform policy and delivery across the Executive”

There are few other studies like this in post-conflict settings such as Northern Ireland.

Researchers surveyed 1,200 participants from Northern Ireland.

Speaking ahead of the report’s launch, Justice Minister Naomi Long described its findings as “both striking and sobering”.

“We now have crucial evidence of how childhood trauma shapes life outcomes in Northern Ireland.

“The findings show clear correlations between higher exposure to trauma in childhood and many negative outcomes, including poorer educational achievement, chronic health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain, increased exposure to domestic violence, addiction, poor mental health and health-harming behaviours,” she said.

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