Drug-related intimidation awareness campaign launched to help affected families

The Government said drug-related intimidation can be an 'extremely frightening, isolating, and stigmatising experience' for families. File Picture: Getty

A new awareness campaign is underway to help beleaguered families affected by drug-related intimidation and violence.

The Government said drug-related intimidation can be an “extremely frightening, isolating, and stigmatising experience” for families and that there are supports to help them.

The campaign — which runs across digital, broadcasting, and print media — was launched on Thursday by the minister of state with responsibility for the national drugs strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, and justice minister Jim O’Callaghan.

It is part of the Drive (drug-related intimidation and violence engagement) project, which was set up in 2020 in response to the impact of drug-related intimidation and to identify and support the services in the community to assist families looking for help.

“Drug-related intimidation and violence is a serious and complex problem, affecting people of all ages and from all walks of life,” Ms Murnane O’Connor said.

I’m conscious that it can be an extremely frightening, isolating, and stigmatising experience, so it is crucial that people know that help is available

She said the Drive project aims to encourage people to take that first step and ask for assistance, by connecting with driveproject.ie.

'More gardaí onto the streets'

Mr O’Callaghan, said: “I am committed to tackling drug-dealing and targeting the work of organised crime groups who inflict intimidation and violence on families and communities. 

"My priority of getting more gardaí onto the streets is key to this, but this must be complemented by additional measures that address the wider impact of drug use on society.” 

He said Drive is a significant step in this direction.

Drug-related intimidation inflicts profound harm on people, families, and communities nationwide

“It can be a terrifying and isolating experience for the victims, and so it’s vital that non-judgemental, confidential supports are available to those who need them, in addition to the work of An Garda Síochána.” 

Gardaí provide a drug-related intimidation reporting programme, which includes a nominated drug-related intimidation garda inspector in local areas.

The Drive project is funded by the Department of Health and supported by regional and local drug and alcohol task force networks, the HSE's national addiction advisory governance group, An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service, the Department of Justice, the Health Research Board, the National Voluntary Drug & Alcohol Sector, and the Drive project team.