Community services for people affected by violence: An exploration and categorization

Abstract

Summary: In this article we explore the extent of services offered by voluntary community groups in Northern Ireland 10 years after the ceasefires. Findings: People who have been exposed to community violence and related traumatic life-events often require help in coping with the effects of these experiences. While many people rely on family and friends for support and few require in-depth professional social work and therapeutic help, there is an increasing reliance on community services. Community services now offer a range of services from informal self-help groups, befriending, complementary therapies, respite, narrative work, to psychological therapy. Application: We explore how these services are organized, who is using them, how they can be categorized, and finally we suggest minimum standards for good practice. Copyright © 2008 Sage Publications.