The sound of violence

This chapter draws upon a number of studies commissioned by the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland to understand conflict-affected violence. The chapter illustrates how sound functions not just as a backdrop to violence, but as a central mechanism through which people interpret safety, risk, and identity, all of which are critical to the effectiveness of violence prevention efforts. The material is taken from currently unpublished interview data, reanalysed for the purpose of understanding the wider sensory experiences associated with their experiences, and the impact of violence. Drawing on the work of LaBelle (2018; 2019), and the acoutsemoloy of Feld (2015) and Velasco-Pufleau (2021), this chapter argues that sound is a crucial element in the experience of violence. It suggests that there is a need for a more auditory focus, particularly in conflict-affected areas where violence is woven into the fabric of everyday life (McLanaghan & South, 2020).