Prevent
The purpose of Prevent is to safeguard vulnerable people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism, by engaging with people who are vulnerable to radicalisation and protecting those who are being targeted by terrorist recruiters. The Prevent strategy is part of the UK Counter Terrorism Strategy (CONTEST), based on the Counter Terrorism and Security Act of 2015. It requires public bodies, including local authorities, the police, prisons, providers of probation services, schools, colleges, and universities to act to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism, ensuring awareness of risks of terrorism.
Prevent has three main objectives:
- to respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism
- to support vulnerable people and prevent people from being drawn into terrorism
- to work with key sectors and institutions and address risks
It focuses on early intervention before any illegal activity takes place. The aim is to reduce the likelihood of individuals who support a violent extremist ideology of becoming terrorists.
You can read Sefton Council's PREVENT Strategy here (Document opens in new window)
Radicalisation
Radicalisation is the process through which people come to support increasingly extreme political, religious or other ideals. This can lead them to support violent extremism and terrorism.
People can ‘self-radicalise’, by reading or listening to extremist literature or speakers. More commonly, there may be an individual or group actively seeking to persuade others to adopt their views.
Belief in an extremist cause and membership of an extremist group can offer people a sense of purpose, identity and community. This may be particularly appealing to someone who is experiencing difficulties and challenges in their life.
Signs that someone is being radicalised may be (but are not limited to):
- isolation or withdrawal from family and friends
- obsession with and secrecy around the internet and social networking sites
- becoming uncooperative and disengaged
- using abusive, aggressive or extremist views/comments/threats/language
- a fascination with weapons, chemicals, explosives or extremist activity and events
- significant changes in relationships
- the use of seemingly scripted speech
- change in behaviour or appearance due to new influences
- seeking to recruit or ‘groom’ others to an extremist ideology
- possession of violent extremist literature
If you are worried that someone is being radicalised, please contact the police on 999.
The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 contains a duty on specified authorities to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. This is also known as Prevent Duty.