This report presents the findings of research on drug-related intimidation and community violence in a number of Local and Regional Drugs Task Force areas throughout Ireland. The research was a joint collaboration between Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign and the Health Research Board (HRB). Drug-related intimidation was identified as a key issue by local communities and Drugs Task Forces and identifying effective responses is one of Citywide’s key policy objectives.The research consisted of an audit of 140 incidents of intimidation reported to projects in thirteen Drugs Task Forces areas, (eleven Local and two Regional). 

The audit took place between April 2014 and December 2015. Focus groups were also conducted with eight Local Drugs Task Forces and five Regional Task Forces (approximately 150 people from various local projects attended these meetings). Further focus groups were conducted with Travellers, former prisoners, Youth Workers and Family Support Workers and a Community Safety Forum in Dublin. 

The objectives of the research were:

• To access the hidden experience of intimidation in a way that was sensitive and confidential;
• To highlight the situation to policy makers and the wider public
• To assist communities in developing locally-based, effective and sustainable responses.