VIDEO: Plea from Syrian refugee mothers as numbers of female UK travellers rise

The UK police service and partners launched the film this week urging mothers to prevent further tragedies.

It focuses on three Syrian refugee mothers speaking directly to mothers in the UK about the realities of life in Syria and asking why any woman would want to take their family to live in a war zone. 

The film shows that the messages circulated on social media by Daesh are misleading and do not reflect the reality of living in Syria.

It is complemented by open letters that the women have written urging mothers in this country to take steps to prevent their daughters travelling to Syria.

The film, which has been developed in association with the charity Families Against Stress and Trauma (FAST), was released on the same day as new figures revealed that in 2015, 56 women and girls were reported missing to the police by their families, all feared to have travelled to Syria.

Helen Ball, senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing, said: “We are deeply concerned about the numbers of girls, young women and also families who are taking the decision to go to Syria, unaware of the dangers they face when they arrive and the fact that they are unlikely to ever be able to return home to their devastated wider families.

“The personal accounts of the women in this film highlight the harsh reality of life for women and children living in a war torn country. 

“I hope they will go some way to helping young women and mothers stop and think about the huge mistake they would be making if they travel.

“Anyone who is worried about a loved one and concerned they are considering travelling to Syria is encouraged to reach specially trained police officers by calling 101 or visiting www.preventtragedies.co.uk.”

Asst Chief Constable Angela Williams from West Yorkshire Police said: 

“It is important for everyone to do everything they can to help stop people from travelling to Syria and other conflict zones.

“Children have been taken to dangerous places and are at great risk; vulnerable people have been brainwashed into travelling.

“My message to mothers across the region is to please come forward if you have any concerns about your loved ones who may be considering travel to Syria. 

“You can contact police on 101 and speak in confidence. 

We would much rather intervene at an early stage before somebody is criminalised.”