The trauma, shock and suffering experienced through the recent acts of terrorism, such as September 11th and the subsequent ‘War on Terror’, has had an enomorous psychosocial impact on Muslims resettling in Australia. Many have experienced re-traumatisation accompanied by severe posttraumatic symptoms, grief and loss reactions, anger, resentment, survivor guilt, anxiety and depression. However, the situation has become further complicated through the association of terrorism with Islam and being Muslim It has become common to hear reports of stigmatization, fear, rejection, harassment and discrimination experienced by Muslims.
The NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (www.STARTTS.org.au) has provided, and continues to provide, multilevel intervention for the refugees directly affected, for example, Afghans and Iraqis, as well as for refugees who are indirectly affected. This holistic approach includes individual support, group interventions, working with schools, community consultations, a public educational campaign, and training for service providers.