POINTS ABOUT EFFECT OF TERRORISM ON PEOPLE
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TertiaryCounter-TerrorismModule 14: Victims of TerrorismKey IssuesEffects of Terrorism
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E4J University Module Series: Counter-TerrorismModule 14: Victims of TerrorismIntroduction and learning outcomesKey issuesDefinition of 'victim'Effects of terrorism: A trauma and victimological perspectiveAccess to Justice (victim's perspective)Recognition of the victim within the judicial processLegal frameworkInternational and regional human rights instrumentsInternational human rights lawRegional human rights instrumentsCrime prevention and criminal justice mechanismsInternational and regional instruments governing victims of terrorismNational approachesKey challenges in securing reparationExercises and case studiesPossible class structureCore readingAdvanced readingStudent assessmentAdditional teaching toolsReferences
Published in July 2018.
This module is a resource for lecturers
Effects of terrorism: A trauma and victimological perspective
Before considering the applicable legal frameworks and some key recurring issues for victims of terrorist attacks, it is important to identify some of the effects that the resultant violations and trauma may have on the victims themselves. Sometimes, in the counter terrorism context, such factors are not always as prominent as they should be, even though, ultimately, a primary objective of rule of law based counter-terrorism efforts is to prevent victimization. In order to fully provide access to justice for victims, however, an understanding of the harm they have suffered, and the needs that arise because of that harm, is essential.
Notably, the impacts identified in this section are not intended to represent the specific experiences of all survivors of terrorist acts, but rather are descriptive of a range of responses which survivors might experience. Traumatic responses will differ between individuals and may be influenced by several factors, including the age and gender of the survivor, together with any political, religious or cultural affiliations which they hold (Baker, 1992, p. 83; Spiric et al., 2010, pp. 411-412). In addition, the socio-political-cultural context within which the trauma occurs will inform the way in which survivors interpret and respond to their experiences (Aroche and Coello, 2004, p. 56). These factors are discussed further in the context of the interrelationship between individual and societal trauma and are demonstrated through a case study example of the use of torture.
The potential effects on victims of terrorism can be devastating and multiple; it may be experienced at many interrelated levels - individually, collectively and societally. From a victimological perspective, there are three circles of 'personal victimization' which are determined in accordance with their proximity to the direct victim: " primary or first order victimization, experienced by those who suffer harm directly, whether it is injury, loss or death; secondary or second order victimization, experienced by family members, relatives or friends of primary victims; and tertiary or third order victimization, experienced by those who observe the victimization, are exposed to it through TV or radio coverage of the victimization, or help and attend to victims" (Erez, 2006, p. 20). (Italics added).
Unlike the effects of accidental injury or disease, research on the effects of crime has stressed mental, psychological and social effects, in contrast to physical or financial effects. This is attributable to the fact that crime is "qualitatively different from being the victim of an accident or disease, because it includes someone deliberately or recklessly harming you" (Shapland and Hall, 2007, p. 178). For the sake of completeness, both the potential physical and psychological consequences of terrorism are highlighted here. (See e.g. General Assembly, Human Rights Council report 19/38, para. 4).