Testimonials: Involving victims/survivors of terrorism in P/CVE, September 2023

Involving victims/survivors of terrorism in the prevention and countering of violent extremism can be extremely valuable. This paper addresses a range of opportunities for and challenges to the participation of victims/survivors (V/S) in the prevention/countering of violent extremism (P/CVE). A set of concrete recommendations to be employed in future work with victims/survivors are provided to support organisations and institutions, as well as practitioners, and inform them about the high value of victims'/survivors' contribution to P/CVE.

The primary audience for this paper is organisations within the P/CVE sector who (wish to) engage with victims/survivors of terrorism. Although aware of the high value of the victims'/survivors' voices, practitioners working in P/CVE have been rather cautious about involving victims/survivors in their work due to the lack of know-how and specific concerns such as their potential re-traumatisation. This paper aims to fill in these gaps in knowledge and assist organisations in this regard. The foremost priority of P/CVE efforts, including victims’/survivors' voices, remains the victims/survivors, their well-being, and their sense of ease with the entire process in the lead-up to, and during, the sharing of their experiences and expertise.

Victims/survivors are involuntary experts of terrorism, as they have first-hand knowledge of a wide range of consequences that come with the victimising experience. Relying on their experience, the P/CVE strategies offer authentic, truthful, and undeniable proof of the harmful effects that violence produces, both on individual and societal levels. Not all victims/survivors may wish to participate in P/CVE and their decision should be respected. For those who choose to be involved and wish to develop expertise in victims’ rights and/or P/CVE, support should be provided. It is important to ensure that their participation does not negatively impact their coping or healing process.

Successful prevention and countering of violent extremism relies upon a holistic approach that involves engagement with multiple stakeholders across an array of different sectors, including government, civil society, the media, academia, and regional and international institutions. Victims/survivors of terrorism have an important role in P/CVE efforts as they provide a unique perspective on the concept of violent extremism which they have been directly confronted with. Their voices can play an important role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism.

Finally, it is critical to reflect on gender perspectives and P/CVE challenges. There is a need for a gender-sensitive approach to P/CVE to benefit from complementary perspectives and experiences on violent extremism and ways to counter it. Outreach strategies, in particular, should be more mindful of the gendered representation of victims to avoid barriers that directly contribute to exacerbating vulnerabilities and allow for more meaningful inclusion.