PREVENT
The Government PREVENT Strategy aims to stop people supporting or being drawn into terrorism. It is about ensuring that vulnerable children and adults receive the support they need before vulnerabilities are exploited by those that would want them to embrace terrorism and before they become involved in terrorist related activity.
Causes and signs of radicalisation
Many of the factors that put people at risk of radicalisation are the same as those that put people at risk of becoming involved in drug and alcohol misuse, child sexual exploitation and gangs.
You may notice changes in a person's behaviour, appearance or speech - however, remember there may be other reasons for these changes.
Exploiting vulnerability
The following factors might contribute to a vulnerable person becoming radicalised:
- The need for belonging
- Bereavement
- Looking for a cause or reward
- Mental health
- Isolation
- A sense of injustice or grievance
- Access to extremist material online
- A desire for power, respect or status
- Bullying
- Drug or alcohol misuse
Changes in behaviour or appearance
Radicalisation may be accompanied by sudden or gradual changes to a person's behaviour or appearance. This may include some of the following:
- Changes in mood, patterns of behaviour or being secretive
- Possession of violent extremist literature or use of inappropriate language or speech
- Expression of extremist views or sympathy with extremist causes
- Seeking to engage or recruit others to support extremist ideologies, extreme groups, social media groups or marches
- Preaching or attempting to impose their views on others
- Isolating themselves from family and friends
- Outbursts of anger
- Change in language or use of words
- Fixation on a new subject or person
Safeguarding
Those vulnerable to radicalisation must be safeguarded.
Whilst a single factor could be enough to cause someone to become radicalised or to support terrorism, being subjected to a combination of the recognised risk factors can often create the perfect conditions for radicalisation to occur.
There is no single profile of what an extremist might look like or what it is that might cause someone to become radicalised.
Those involved in extremist activity can come from a range of backgrounds with different life experiences - the reasons for becoming radicalised will be unique to them and may take place over an extended period or happen within a very short time frame.
Referrals and Reporting
If you have a concern about someone please complete the below referral form. This will enable information to be shared with the Merseyside Police Prevent Team as well and Childrens and Adult Social Care, and start the safeguarding process. This will ensure we provide the most appropriate help and support.
You can also call the Merseyside Police Prevent Team on 0151 777 4878.
If you believe your situation is an emergency, call 999.
Support provided is done through the Channel programme, an early intervention and multi-agency approach to protect vulnerable people by:
- identifying individuals at risk
- assessing the nature and extent of that risk
- developing the most appropriate support plan for the individuals concerned
Support maybe offered in the following areas:
- support from a specialist mentor
- social care support
- specialist mental health support
- help with accessing appropriate education support
- housing support
Related links and resources
ACT Early - Campaign Toolkit | Counter Terrorism Policing
Call the ACT Early Support Line 0800 011 3764 in confidence.
The advice line is open 9:00am - 5:00pm every day.
Get help for radicalisation concerns - GOV.UK
Report online material promoting terrorism or extremism - GOV.UK
Stickering
'Stickering' is the term used when extremist promotional material is placed within the community. You can report 'stickering' within your community:
educate.against.hate
Government advice and trusted resources to help safeguard students from radicalisation, build resilience to all types of extremism and to promote our shared values. Find out more at educateagainsthate.com
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