Red Cross helping those targeted by RAAD in Londonderry
The Red Cross is helping those who have been targeted by the vigilante group Republican Action Against Drugs.
It has teamed up with the Rosemount Resource Centre in Londonderry which already works with those under threat.
It is understood to be the first time the humanitarian group has partnered another organisation in Northern Ireland.
Hugh Brady from the Rosemount Resource Centre said they have been working with the Red Cross for eight months.
"They had become interested in our work.
"We signed a contract with them three weeks ago.
"The Red Cross are like ourselves, work to stop people getting shot.
"It is the right thing to do. The reason we are here is to intervene and protect.
"I have no doubt the Red Cross became aware of what we were doing.
"They are satisfied that we are a proper organisation to work with.
The new partnership features on Tuesday's BBC NI Spotlight programme which also challenges RAAD over its attacks in the city.
Earlier in June, the Police Service of Northern Ireland unveiled details of a campaign to tackle paramilitary-style attacks, which currently have a 4% clearance rate.
Forty people have been shot in Derry and five in Strabane in the past five years.
Assistant Chief Constable Drew Harris explained how the initiative would work.
He said individuals who are involved in violence will have many aspects of their lives heavily scrutinised.
"There are consequences for individuals who perpetrate such extreme violence.
"This is the most serious form of criminality. Therefore, you cannot be in a position of trust in our society.
"We have licensing, regulations in terms of people who have a trusted place in our society. For example taxi drivers, door supervisors and people who work with youth groups. "
Five men have been shot and wounded in Strabane since 2010, while another three were shot in Donegal, including Derry man Andrew Allen who was murdered in Buncrana in February.
BBC Radio Foyle requested the figures following a report in the Guardian newspaper claiming that "at least 85 men have been shot over the past three years in "punishment" attacks by Republican Action Against Drugs."
BBC Spotlight on Tuesday at 22:35 BST will investigate Republican Action Against Drugs.