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Glossary English

The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) developed this Glossary to facilitate a common understanding of terms frequently used in security risk management.

The terms and definitions have been drawn from a range of trusted resources, including GISF’s own publications. They have also been informed by a working group of GISF members.

The GISF Glossary is available in four languages: English, French, Spanish and Arabic. The site has been designed to enable easy navigation between terms in each language, supporting more consistent and accurate communication across language barriers.

The GISF Glossary is reviewed and updated regularly, to reflect new terms and changing definitions within the security risk management sector. If you have a term you would like to add to the Glossary or a suggested amendment, please contact us through our feedback form.

T

target

A person, object, or place selected as the focus of an attack or the subject of criminal activity.
Related terms: attack
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terrorism

The unlawful use or threat of violent acts by individuals and/or groups in order to achieve political, religious, or ideological aims, and designed to coerce or intimidate governments or the public.
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torture

The deliberate infliction of severe pain or suffering on a person for reasons such as punishment, extracting a confession, interrogation for information, or to intimidate other parties.
Related terms: attack , beating
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trauma-informed response

A practice that recognises that traumatic experiences impact the way individuals respond and react and not to re-traumatise or blame victims for their efforts to manage their traumatic reactions (also referred to as trauma-informed care). For example, instead of thinking a victim/survivor is disruptive or not interested in engaging in an investigation, acknowledge that they require understanding and support to deal with the impact of trauma.
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