News

Counter lockdown radicalisation project launched

A survivor of the Westminster Bridge terror attack has launched a new project, aimed at amplifying the voices of victims and survivors of terrorism, and combatting the rise in online radicalisation and increased extremist activity.

Travis D. Frain started the ‘Resilience in Unity Project’ whilst working from home during the coronavirus lockdowns, with the aim of creating a platform for the testimonies of survivors of terrorism to act as a counter-narrative against extremism. The 23-year old student from Lancashire recorded video testimonies of over 30 people affected by terrorist acts around the world, hailing from 15 different countries and affected by a range of ideologies.

Frain designed an online interactive mapping tool exhibiting these stories for use as a free resource to educate young people in schools on the impacts of terrorism and for use by practitioners on the frontlines of combatting radicalisation.

He said: “Survivors of terrorism can provide one of the strongest counternarratives possible against radicalisation, by dispelling the mistruths spread by extremists and demonstrating firsthand the very real effects of terrorism. Often victims are both willing and eager to assist efforts aimed at countering terrorism and preventing future attacks, they are simply not afforded the opportunity to do so. I’m proud that through the Resilience in Unity Project, we can amplify those voices and take the fight directly to the hate preachers and extremists that seek to divide us.”

The project, which has received the support of Counter Terrorism Policing UK, the National Emergencies Trust, and several victims’ organisations, was officially launched at an event in London.

Speaking at the event, which saw experts and counter-terrorism practitioners meet with victims of terrorist acts from around the world to discuss radicalisation, Matt Jukes QPM, Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations, said: “The voices of victims and survivors of terror attacks across the world are a powerful tool in preventing future acts of terrorism. Resilience in Unity is helping to ensure that those voices are always heard, and we are proud to have helped launch this project at our victims and survivors event today. It is inspiring that those who have felt the greatest impact are so willing to lead these efforts. We are looking forward to seeing the initiative develop over the coming months and years.”

The Resilience in Unity Project is calling on the public to broaden education around the realities of terrorism and listen to those directly affected with the aim of building resilience within their own communities against extremism and radicalisation.

Partners

View the latest
digital issue