Paramilitary Influence

Growing up in environments where intimidation, manipulation, and violence are prevalent can lead children and young people to view these behaviours as acceptable or unavoidable, increasing susceptibility to exploitation or involvement in similar activities.

Coercive environments often involve deliberate isolation from friends, family, and community resources, leaving children and young people without protective relationships or access to help.

Constant exposure to coercive control and threat can result in significant psychological stress, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. These challenges may impair a child or young person’s ability to make safe decisions or recognise exploitative situations.

In areas influenced or controlled by paramilitary or criminal groups, children and young people may be coerced into illegal activities to support themselves or their families. The absence of legitimate economic opportunities can make these offers appear to be the only viable option.

Children and young people may feel unable to refuse pressure imposed on them to conform to community norms due to fear of retaliation.

Children and young people raised in families or communities with historical ties to paramilitary groups may be more vulnerable to exploitation.

In some communities, a culture of self-policing discourages engagement with the PSNI. Children and young people growing up in these environments may fear or distrust the police and lack understanding of their role, creating barriers to disclosure and increasing vulnerability to exploitation.