ABSTRACT
A famous television advertisement, made in 1992 asked the key question about the Northern Ireland conflict: Why continue to suffer it? Many of those previously committed to violence took years in considering this question before finding their own reasons as to 'why' they should take a path to non-violence. The invitation to work towards non-violence and safety is the starting point for the first conversation in promoting non-violence. Reassure the person that everyone has some difficulties with issues around aggression, violence and anger. The person needs to give informed consent to involvement in such work, particularly if it forms part of an overall agreed intervention to address the use of violence within their relationships, family or community. The conversation may move on when important life goals and life balance issues have been reflected on and the person has made some connection between these and their goal of non-violence.
