03/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/15/2024 01:28
Victims/survivors of terrorism play a significant role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (P/CVE). Whether sharing their testimonials or playing a part in P/CVE interventions, they are a credible voice in the fight against terrorism and radicalisation. A key focal point of the RAN Victims/survivors of Terrorism Working Group is exploring the various ways in which victims/survivors can inhabit this role as well as how P/CVE practitioners can involve victims/survivors in their work.
There is, however, a risk in involving victims/survivors of terrorism in P/CVE work; the firsthand experience of a terror attack and/or having lost a loved one to terrorism traumatises many victims/survivors and they often carry this trauma with them for many years after the attack - if not forever. Their involvement in P/CVE work risks triggering retraumatisation, which can occur at the most unexpected moments.
The question of how to safeguard the well-being of victims/survivors of terrorism therefore underpins all the Working Group's activities. To stress the importance of this foundational topic, the Working Group dedicated a meeting solely to the prevention of retraumatisation of victims/survivors involved in P/CVE work. Held on 21 November 2023, this meeting allowed victims/survivors of terrorism and practitioners working with them, or those wishing to do so, to come together to discuss how to safely involve victims/survivors in P/CVE.
The key outcomes of this meeting are as follows:
Experiencing retraumatisation could also be an empowerment opportunity, if the victim/survivor has the resources and support needed to successfully overcome it.
The Victims/Survivors of Terrorism Working Group's chief objective is to maintain the network of organisations of victims of terrorism and to organise remembrance ceremonies each year on 11 March, the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism.