Figures just released show the extent to which paramilitaries continue to exert control through shootings and assaults and also the horrifying methods used to inflict injury on their victims.
Around 77 people were targeted by both dissident republicans and loyalist groups during the past year.
Sixty of those were subjected to assault - an increase on 2018 - while there were 17 shootings, a decrease on the last year.
Six of those attacked were under 18 while the level of injuries overall included bruising, broken bones and multiple shotgun wounds.
These attacks are inherently barbaric, which is underlined by the instruments of torture used to inflict suffering.
Baseball bats were the most commonly used weapon, along with iron bars and hammers. The assailants also used flick sticks, wrenches, knuckle dusters, pickaxe handles and even scaffolding poles.
Just think about the level of force needed to use any of these weapons on another human being, someone who will be most likely be lying helpless, unable to defend themselves.
The paramilitaries who dole out these so-called 'punishments' are criminals. They are in no position to stand in judgment on anyone.
We are about to enter a new year and a new decade. This type of savagery cannot be justified under any circumstances in our society and must end.
