International Terrorism

The Unique Impact of Terrorism

In recent years, the threat of international terrorism abroad has risen dramatically. The devastation a single act of terrorism can inflict presents U.S. and international victim service providers with difficult tasks. These tasks include facilitating immediate care, compensation, counseling, and other assistance to victims who suffer the severe physical, emotional, and mental trauma associated with criminal mass victimization.

Because of complicated international investigations that frequently involve multiple jurisdictions, the rights and needs of victims of international terrorism might be overlooked and services might not be identified or accessed. U.S. citizens who are victims of terrorist attacks abroad may need help to acquire the types of assistance, compensation, and support that are available to victims of violent crime or domestic terrorism that occur within U.S. borders.

Resources:

OVC Terrorism and Mass Violence Resources
www.ovc.gov/help/terrorism.htm

American Psychological Association
(Mental health services to disaster survivors and relief workers)
www.apa.org

Gift From Within
www.giftfromwithin.org

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
www.istss.org