Victims and victimhood: the case of terrorism and political violence

Terrorism is a behavioural and communicative act that can only be understood by reference to the context in which it occurs, particularly the social pathology, political and inter-group disorder that enables it. While terrorism is a profound personal tragedy for the victims, the survivors and their families, the impact terrorism goes beyond those direct and indirect victims to damage the sense of identity and wellbeing of society more broadly. Interpersonal and intergroup relations suffer in the aftermath of terrorism where the attribution of blame is politicised and guilt by associate become a malignant barrier to social harmony. This chapter will examine the research that exists on victims of terrorism both within and surrounding the field known as terrorism studies. In addition it will explore the framing of victims, issues of trauma at a personal and community level and explore how victims of TPV seek to be heard in the aftermath of terrorist violence. Finally this chapter will address narratives of victimhood and how they are relevant to the motivation to engage in and desist from terrorism and political violence.