Terrorist attacks are sudden and unpredictable and generally calculated to create a climate of fear or terror among the public.

A terror attack can lead to an ongoing feeling of insecurity.

You might be exposed to repetitive and disturbing media images and accounts of the event. This means there may be ‘hiddenʼ victims — people who have been affected but were not directly caught up in the attacks.

If you have been affected by any terrorist incident, this page contains information on how to get help and contains links to other sites you may find useful.

You can also find out more on the Support Hub for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism website. Delivered by Victim Support, Peace Collective and West London NHS Trust, the Support Hub brings together different services and direct support for anyone affected by terrorism, including immediate and long-term help.

If you have been affected by a terrorist attack, you can contact the Support Hub directly:

The impact of terrorism on victims and families

The process of coming to terms with serious injuries can be complex and varied, and may involve a range of reactions and emotions.

Some people can suffer from prolonged, severe, debilitating and overwhelming symptoms, such as depression and an inability to cope with daily life.

People’s feelings and reactions can change from day to day.

If you’re seriously injured in a terrorist attack, you might need long-term medical treatment, suffer employment issues and have issues around dependence and independence if you can’t initially manage as you did previously.

People who are bereaved are likely to be affected emotionally, psychologically, practically and financially.

The Support Hub can offer help and advice if you've experienced terrorism abroad, including information on any agencies you can approach. 

You may be in a territory with a British Consulate that can offer help and support while you're abroad.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office can support British residents and their families who are affected by a terrorist incident abroad. This can include medical evacuation, payment of immediate medical expenses and costs involved with returning to the UK. 

You might also be entitled to compensation if you find yourself involved in a terror attack abroad.

  • Escape if you can by considering the safest options.
  • If you cannot find a way to escape then hide.
  • Call 999.

The ProtectUK website has further advice on steps you can take to keep yourself safe.

We can give you the support and information you need to move forward after a terrorist attack through the Support Hub.  

It's normal to experience a range of emotions, such as distress, grief, and anxiety after an attack has taken place. If you have travelled abroad then these feelings might not go away after you return to the UK.

However you're feeling or wherever the attack took place, you can talk to us in complete confidence.

The Support Hub can give you information to help you cope, for example on handling the media and applying for compensation.  

If you're an international citizen or visitor and have been affected by a terrorist attack in the UK we can offer support to you during your stay.

The Support Hub website has more information for international citizens or visitors affected by terrorism in the UK. 

Anyone affected by terrorism can contact us directly. 

You can get in touch by:

You can also create a free account on My Support Space – an online resource with interactive guides, including guides on coping after experiencing terrorism.

If English is not your first language and you would like support, call our Supportline and let us know which language you speak. We'll call you back with an interpreter as soon as possible. We also welcome calls via Relay UK and Convo (BSL).

If you're a child or young person under 18 and are looking for support, visit the Support Hub's children and young people webpage for information and tips.

If you're a parent, carer or guardian, the Support Hub also provides information on how to help your child cope with experiencing terrorism.

Families and friends affected by terrorism are also welcome to contact us for support and information.

Further support and information: