Two-thirds of people intimidated by drug dealers or threatened over drug debts do not report it to gardai, a study has revealed.
Experts working with addicts and their families in Dublin have warned that most of those who are harassed and abused try to deal with it themselves for fear of reprisal attacks if they go to authorities.
The CityWide Drugs Crisis Campaign said its research showed half of the incidents of intimidation involved beatings and violence and almost a third involved damage to homes or property.
Mothers of drug users make up a third of those targeted by dealers and gangsters, the report found.
Criminologist Johnny Connolly, who helped compile the report, described the intimidation as a hidden harm which causes immense distress in many communities.
"It is, in a sense, not on the general public radar but very much part of life for many," he said.
Source: Ed Carty, Irish Independent, 16/02/16
Safer Student Nights
eBulletin
Poll
