Becoming radicalised can happen to anyone anywhere for numerous reasons, for example it might be triggered by a traumatic event, or a skewed ideology. It has a strong link to safeguarding because vulnerable adults and children can be susceptible to radicalisation and recruitment into terrorist organisations. No matter the reason, there may be warning signs that can help identify those people that may be at risk. If we can refer these individuals early enough into suitable interventions and support, we may be able to prevent devastating life changing incidents from occurring.
The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 placed the Prevent strategy on a statutory footing and local authorities and their partners have a core role to play in countering terrorism at a local level and helping to safeguard individuals at risk of radicalisation.
For more information visit the Safe Durham Partnership website.
PREVENT
Prevent is about safeguarding and supporting those vulnerable to radicalisation.
Prevent is one of the four elements of the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy CONTEST. It aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
Counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST)
The aim of CONTEST is to reduce the risk to the UK and its citizens and interests overseas from terrorism, so that people can go about their lives freely and with confidence.
The strategy is based on four themes:
- prevent: to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism
- pursue: to stop terrorist attacks
- protect: to strengthen our protection against a terrorist attack
- prepare: to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack
For more information regarding the government’s Counter-terrorism strategy visit Gov.uk: Counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST) 2023.
Useful websites
The following links are provided by the Safe Durham Partnership. You may find these websites useful to understanding and supporting efforts toward countering extremism.
- Protect young eyes – app reviews
- Counter Extremism Project: Terrorist and Extremist Groups
- Anti-Defamation League: Hate on Display – Hate Symbols Database
- Action Counters Terrorism: Prevent Radicalisation and Extremism by Acting Early
We also have information in the parents and carers section on the Online safety page.