COPING AFTER TERRORISM
The information on this site (and in the printable PDF) is intended to help you understand your reactions to an act of terrorism or mass violence. It is not intended to be a substitute for the role of professionals with experience in counseling trauma victims. If you are in need of professional counseling, please contact the FBI Victim Services Division (VSD).
Nothing in life can prepare you for the horror of an act of terrorism that robs you of your sense of security and, in some instances, a loved one. No one expects such a thing to happen. Violent crime in an abnormal event, and terrorism is even more rare. The normal reactions to this type of traumatic disaster include a wide range of powerful feelings that may feel abnormal to the person having them or seem strange to those who have not gone through such a disaster. You may feel like something is wrong with you and that the terrible pain will never ease up.
Recovering from a traumatic event will take a long time and will not be easy. Everyone responds differently to trauma. No one reacts in a right way or wrong way—just differently. It will help your recovery process if you do not expect too much of yourself and others.
VICTIMS’ SERVICES IN THE U.S.:
U.S. Attorney’s Office Crime Victims' Rights Ombudsman
FBI Victim Services Division (VSD)
National Institutes of Health Publications about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
National Organization for Victims’ Assistance State Advocacy List
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards
International Terrorism Victims Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP)
INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES:
United Nations Victims of Terrorism Support Portal
Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF)