Under Siege: Families of Counter-Terrorism

Abstract

In the wake of terrorist attacks in New York and in London, Muslim communities in Britain have been blighted by increased racist activity and vilification alongside a systematic strengthening of surveillance and national security. As many Muslim men are incarcerated, the families of detainees and prisoners are often left to fend for themselves amidst economic and social insecurity, giving rise to isolation and ostracisation from within and outside of their own communities. Whilst the declaration of a ‘war on terror’ by the state has not been conducted through armed conflict on British streets, the effects on innocent women and children in homes affected by counter-terrorist activities can be as traumatising as those for civilians in war-torn zones. This paper draws upon the findings of an exploratory study addressing these concerns in the West Midlands, UK. It highlights the experiences and the neglected needs of families whose members are accused or suspected of terrorism and suggests that social workers should no longer continue to ignore these issues.