Police tell of family anguish when loved ones travel to conflict zones

Can describing the pain of one family prevent the suffering of another?

That is the hope for a new film released by national counter terrorism policing today (Wednesday 13 July), featuring officers who witness the consequences of a loved one travelling to conflict zones.

‘Left Behind’ is a short film made by police Prevent contact officers serving in different parts of the UK. Their role is to support the partners, parents and siblings of people who have given up everything to go and live in places like Syria.

The six-minute production features painfully honest accounts of seeing first-hand the distress, confusion and disruption caused to families as their heartbreak unfolds.

Senior officers have pledged to keep up the campaign to raise awareness of the dangers as long as extremist groups continue to lure vulnerable people away from loving homes.

Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball, says: “For every individual who decides they want to travel, there is a wider family whose lives will be devastated as a result.

“This film shows that, at a time when officers are working to establish the facts, they are also seeing mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters coming to terms with the possible loss of a loved one. It is shattering for all concerned.

“I hope that when people hear the accounts of our officers, they can have conversations in their own homes and communities and consider what they can do to stop this ever happening to another family.

“We want everyone to know there is support available and if they have any concerns they should contact police or other agencies as soon as possible for the best chance of preventing a tragedy.”

‘Left Behind’ is the latest production from the Prevent Tragedies campaign – a  joint initiative between police, partner agencies and community groups that provides support and advice to families concerned about a loved one who may be at risk of radicalisation or considering travel to a conflict zone such as Syria.

The six-minute film will be launched at a community event in Birmingham  this morning. Similar launches will be taking place in every British police region. The film is available to view on the Prevent Tragedies website (www.preventtragedies.co.uk). Subtitled versions in English and other languages are included.

Anyone with concerns about a loved one that might be thinking of travelling to a conflict zone should call police on 101.  They can talk in confidence about any concerns and officers will work with families and specialist agencies to offer bespoke support on a case-by-case basis.

Alternatively, there are other people who are trained and able to provide practical help and advice. This includes healthcare professionals, social workers, teachers and local authorities. The most important message is to seek help from someone at an early stage.

Visit www.preventtragedies.co.uk to watch the film.