Paramilitary-Related Coercive Control: A Framework for Coercive Control in Conflict Settings

Abstract

This paper presents a new 'Framework of Paramilitary-related Coercive Control'. Based on empirical research in Northern Ireland, the paper advances the concept of 'conflict-related coercive control', evidencing how the coercive and predatory nature of armed group social control intersects with that of the endemic and sustained gendered coercion and control of women. It expands the study of coercive control, evidencing its relevance to conflict-affected group-based controls. In so doing, it further expands the concept of social control, evidencing the gendered nature of armed group governance. The paper extends the boundaries of understanding of women's experiences of conflict-related harm, evidencing how sites of conflict and political transition are characterised by multidimensional gendered coercive harm.

Keywords: Coercive control, Conflict, Gender, Northern Ireland, Paramilitarism, Violence