New publication explores secondary victims of The Troubles

The publication was launched on Tuesday, February 14 in Lisnaskea, at an event attended by contributors, survivors and families of victims.

Those assembled in the Archdale Hall, Lisnaskea heard from speakers such as SEFF’s Director of Services, Kenny Donaldson; psychiatrist Dr. Philip McGarry, via a video message; Donna Deeney, project facilitator; as well as a contribution from the Kelly and Wilson families.

A contribution was also heard from Patrick Gallagher, Director of Victims and Survivors for The Executive Office.

Concluding remarks for the event came from Andrew Walker, the Interim Chief Executive for the Victims and Survivors Service.

Reflecting on the publication, Mr. Donaldson said: “Statistics are a cold and insufficient way of reflecting the gravity of what occurred over the years of the terrorist campaign, also referred to as ‘The Troubles’.

“Yes, there are the headline stats in terms of immediate lives ended through violence, but this is vastly limiting.

“As a result of the violence, substantive numbers of others died premature deaths through broken heart syndrome, heart attacks, suicide, trauma-induced cancers, stillborn births and miscarriages, and other conditions brought on by previous physical and/or psychological injury.”

It is hoped this publication will contribute to a debate that has not yet been had within the policy-based environment regarding secondary victims and how services can support them.

In the foreword for the publication, Mr. Donaldson notes: “It is almost impossible to quantify with accuracy the numbers of lives which have prematurely ended as the direct result of ‘Troubles’ violence; however, we were determined to conduct an initial study of between 20-30 cases where it is understood, medically and also by families, that their loved one’s life ended due to the physical and/or psychological injury experienced.”