Terrorism and Extremism

This page contains detailed information about sexual violence, domestic abuse, so called “honour-based abuse”, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, hate crime, discrimination, bullying, harassment, stalking, spiking and terrorism. The content may be distressing or harmful to audiences.

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If you are affected by any of the information and would like support, please contact studentservices@chester.ac.uk or call 01244 511 550.

What is Terrorism?

Terrorism is an action or threat designed to influence the government or intimidate the public. Its purpose is to advance a political, religious or ideological cause. The current UK definition of terrorism is given in the Terrorism Act 2006.

In the UK we define terrorism as a violent action that:

  • Endangers a person’s life, other than that of the person committing the action
  • Involves serious violence against a person
  • Causes serious damage to property
  • Creates a serious risk to the public’s health and safety
  • Interferes with or seriously disrupts an electronic system

Prevent is a national programme that aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It works to ensure that people who are susceptible to radicalisation are offered appropriate interventions, and communities are protected against radicalising influences.

Radicalisation can happen when a person develops extreme views or beliefs that support terrorist groups or activities. There are different types of terrorism and Prevent deals with all of them. The most common types of terrorism in the UK are Extreme Right-Wing terrorism and Islamist terrorism.

How to report?

In an emergency please call emergency services by phoning 999.

If you are on a University campus or in University accommodation then you can call also Security/Porters on 01244 511541 after you have spoken with emergency services.

You can read more about how to report an incident of terrorism to the University or the police with your contact details.

You can read more about how to report an incident of terrorism to the University or the police anonymously HERE. Please note, if you provide any identifiable details in your report, the police may be able to identify who you are.

How to get support?

University Support

The Wellbeing and Mental Health team can provide confidential advice and support for you and other students who may have been affected by terrorism. You can make contact by emailing: studentservices@chester.ac.uk  ​

Student Counselling is a free counselling service available for all students that provides a confidential, safe space for you to talk. You can make a self-referral by emailing: Student.counselling@chester.ac.uk

External Support

If you have been affected by a terrorist incident, this page on the UK Government website contains information on where to seek advice and assistance.  It also provides details of official helplines and support services available to victims, survivors, witnesses, family members and all those affected.