Preventing radicalisation into violent extremism
Research has shown that many people who become radicalised and commit terrorist attacks start out as vulnerable individuals who may feel isolated, rejected, have low self-esteem, identity confusion and/or believe they are the victim of an injustice or have experienced trauma. These are some of the factors which may draw some people towards extremist narratives, and for some people, radicalisation can follow. This is where an individual, susceptible due to personal and external factors, starts to develop increasingly extremist ideals and aspirations to disrupt society in harmful ways. This may happen as a result of contact with another individual or group, or they may self-radicalise, usually by accessing extremist material online.
‘Prevent’ is a national programme in place to intervene as early as possible in the radicalisation process; it addresses the personal, ideological, and social factors which make people more receptive to radicalisation. Prevent is in place to divert people away from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. The earlier support can be provided for individuals, the more likely we are to prevent harm.
The Prevent programme:
- Involves professionals from teaching, healthcare, social work, the police, charities and civil society, psychology, community leaders and others, offering support as are part of a holistic response to radicalisation into violent extremism;
- Supports anyone from any community and deals with all forms of terrorism, including faith-claimed, extreme right-wing and other emerging threats;
- Does not criminalise but supports individuals vulnerable to radicalisation of any age;
- is not a tool for spying or surveillance, and
- is not in place to reduce free speech, and
- is part of organisations’ safeguarding obligations in place to protect people from harm.
What it isn’t about:
It isn’t about preventing legal protests or people questioning policies or government activities domestically or overseas. These are all rights within a democratic society.
For more information:
https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2023/02/08/prevent-and-channel-factsheet-2023/
ACT Early | Prevent radicalisation
Educate Against Hate - Prevent Radicalisation & Extremism
What is the local threat?
Violent extremism can be a threat anywhere - any community and individual can be negatively affected by historical, local, national, and international events which can drive susceptibility to extremist views and the pursuit of violence to achieve extremist aims. Like many other parts of the UK, Sussex has seen people arrested for their involvement in terrorist plots, supporting and promoting extremist ideologies and banned terrorist groups and for travelling to other countries to join terrorist organisations. We have seen stickering, leafletting and graffiti that promote extreme, divisive narratives and views that support hate speech and extremist activity. Like any part of the UK, people in Sussex have engaged with and been influenced by harmful online extremist communities and narratives. These short clips provide some insight into how this can happen.
Who to contact
If you are ever concerned that someone is expressing extreme views which could lead to them harming themselves or others, you can talk in confidence to any of the university safeguarding and prevent officers or you can phone the university emergency number 01243 816363 or you can phone the ACT Early helpline 0800 011 3764.
You can raise your concern with any of the following:
- your Academic Advisor
- the Students’ Union
- Security
- Accommodation
- the SIZ
- any of the Student Support and Wellbeing services
- your line manager
- Mark Mason, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) and Lead Safeguarding Officer - M.Mason@chi.ac.uk, 01243 816422
- Vito Mastrolonardo, Deputy Director of Students, Support and Information Services - V.Mastrolonardo@chi.ac.uk, 01243 816257
Your friend, acquaintance or family member’s behaviour may have changed, and they might be isolating themselves from people they know, becoming secretive, confrontational when others share differing views or may have, or be promoting extremist literature online or offline. By talking to someone in confidence, you can get support for that person - which could prevent them doing something that could harm themselves or others.
ACT Early | Prevent radicalisation