Terrorism

(asked on 20th July 2016) - View Source
Questioner
Justin Tomlinson Portrait
Justin Tomlinson
(Conservative - North Swindon)

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what information the Government makes available to people (a) injured in and (b) who have witnessed a terrorist attack about (i) who they should contact for help and support and (ii) what support is available to them.

Answered by
Phillip Lee Portrait
Phillip Lee
This question was answered on 9th September 2016

This Government is committed to ensuring that victims of terrorism can access effective and timely support to help them cope, and as far as possible, recover from the trauma they have experienced.

Where an individual is a victim of a terrorist attack in England and Wales they are entitled to emotional, practical and specialist support as set out in the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime.

Witnesses in the criminal justice system, including witnesses of terrorist attacks, are also entitled to support as set out under the Witness Charter for England and Wales. Witnesses who have suffered a qualifying mental injury may also be eligible for compensation if they meet the criteria.

Information on support services is provided both locally, by Police and Crime Commissioners who commission and fund the majority of support for victims of crime at local level, and nationally through the Victims’ Information Service. The Victims’ Information Service can be contacted by phone on 0808 168 9293 which is free to call. Further details can be found on the following website: https://www.victimsinformationservice.org.uk/.

Victims in Scotland and Northern Ireland can contact their local Victim Support teams by telephoning the Victim Support line on 0845 60 39 213 (Scotland) or 028 9024 3133 (Northern Ireland) or visiting their website at www.victimsupportsco.org.uk or www.victimsupportni.co.uk.

Where a British National is a victim of a terrorist attack overseas the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) will offer immediate consular assistance to respond to the specific practical needs of the individual. This includes information on how to access support once back in the United Kingdom. The Government works with the British Red Cross to provide the British Red Cross Relief Fund which provides immediate financial help to people who have been seriously injured or bereaved by terrorist incidents overseas. Eligible victims will also be able to access compensation under the Government funded Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme.

Those affected by the recent terrorist attacks in Tunisia, Paris and Brussels and resident in England, have been offered a mental health check. More information is available at:

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