RAN VoT WG meeting - Ensuring the well-being of victims/survivors of terrorism involved in P/CVE, 21 November 2023

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:

• Victims/survivors may wish to engage in P/CVE to prevent others from suffering, and their commitment could be so strong that their personal well-being is overlooked. It is a primary responsibility of practitioners involving victims/survivors of terrorism in their P/CVE work to ensure that victims/survivors are provided with a safe framework and that their well-being is protected as a priority, while not affecting the individual agency.
• Retraumatisation can occur at any time, and it can be caused by a variety of internal and external factors. However, certain circumstances (such as anniversaries and significant dates) might trigger retraumatisation.
• The definition of standards and procedures involving victims/survivors in P/CVE encompasses the different stages of the engagement (before/during/after).

Experiencing retraumatisation could also be an empowerment opportunity, if the victim/survivor has the resources and support needed to successfully overcome it.