No Longer A Problem? Sectarian Violence in Northern Ireland

Abstract

This report provides an overview of the scale and nature of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. It describes recent surveys that include questions pertaining to experiences of sectarian violence or attitudes towards sectarianism; key policy documents and strategic plans by both central and local government that refer or relate to the problem of sectarian violence, and a review of the party manifestoes of Northern Irish political parties issued for the Assembly elections in November 2003. The data reveals a somewhat patchy picture. It suggests that sectarian violence is worse in some areas than others and that it is a serious problem in parts of Belfast and some other urban locations. The data indicates that sectarian violence is a problem for many people in their home environment, and for others it is a problem in the workplace.