ABSTRACT
The Northern Ireland Peace Process, particularly in terms of how to respectfully share power between the two communities, has been torturous and protracted and, in some ways, will never be complete. Interactions with family, friends, community resources and church may also help people recognise and concentrate, and build on progress. Returning to the assessment of need that should have pre-dated the conversations, the journey towards non-violence has to go forward within the broader context of the person's life. The person may go further in thinking about possible risk scenarios in the future where there would be a possibility of further violence. Even though paramilitary violence has greatly diminished, it has not been eliminated. The interventions, including counselling, therapy and various recovery programmes, if not already considered, may contribute towards non-violence. The negative use of power has been a theme throughout the conversations and how it is often played out in one way or another within acts of violence.
