Responding to a Terror Attack: A Strong Cities Toolkit
Published: 18th December, 2020
Author: Marta Lopes
This Strong Cities Network (SCN) toolkit offers a guide for local governments in formulating a sensitive and effective response in the wake of a terror attack.
The first chapter focuses on community engagement, setting out how authorities can leverage existing networks to determine the impact of an attack, identify the most appropriate victim support mechanisms, and promote social cohesion for the community at large.
The second chapter focuses on communications and seeks to guide local authorities in developing outreach plans that de-escalate any rising tensions and strengthen a city’s sense of identity, morale and cohesion.
The third chapter provides an overview of how cities can ensure their communities benefit from appropriate psychosocial support.
The fourth chapter provides a summary of key considerations to guide city leaders in the immediate aftermath of an attack, when tensions are at their highest.
Finally, worksheets, further tools and resources in the two annexes can be used to support this work and monitor social media platforms, which can be a powerful tool to inform all aspects of the city’s response.
Marta Lopes is a Manager at ISD, working across Strong Cities Network (SCN) international projects. She delivers analysis and advice on local responses to hate, polarisation and extremism through research and member engagement, and leads SCN programming in Sub-Saharan Africa.