Prevent supports vulnerable individuals who may be at risk of recruitment by terrorist or extremist groups, both domestically and internationally.
It is one of the four components of the Government’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy, known as CONTEST, which consists of Prepare, Protect, Pursue, and Prevent.
What is the Prevent strategy for terrorism?
Prevent is ultimately about addressing the root causes of radicalisation.
The focus is safeguarding and supporting children, young people or adults who may be vulnerable to becoming involved in terrorism or supporting terrorism.
Prevent is designed to tackle all forms of extremism and far right threats and doesn’t focus on any one community.
Through Prevent vulnerable individuals who are at risk of radicalisation can be safeguarded and supported.
How does Prevent work?
Prevent works is in several ways such as.
- Risk assessing individuals showing signs of radicalisation.
- The Channel Programme which is a multi-agency voluntary program that offers tailored support to individuals at risk of radicalisation.
- Education & awareness such as workshops and training designed to help people working in healthcare or education recognise and respond to signs of radicalisation.
- Community engagement such as building partnerships with community leaders and youth programs.
According to Home Office statistics in the year ending 31 March 2023, there were 6,817 individuals referred to Prevent.
90% of these were male and 63% of those referred were under the age of 20. Most referrals came from either the education sector (39%) or the Police (29%).
For those not working in education, contacting your local police on 101 is the most secure route to take if you have any concerns. Alternatively, if you see anything online you can report it through the government website.
You’re best placed to spot when something’s not right with someone close. Trust your instincts don’t be afraid to contact your local police to share your concerns in confidence.
The earlier you share your concerns the quicker the individual in question can get the support and protection from radicalisation that they need.
For Prevent to be successful it requires both collaboration with communities – trust is essential to avoid perceptions of surveillance or targeting.
We also need to recognise radicalisation is complex and that any intervention is tailored to the specific individual’s needs.
What are the warning signs of radicalisation?
There are many factors that can make someone vulnerable to radicalisation and there is no single route to radicalisation.
However, there are certain signs and vulnerabilities you can watch out for such as:
- An obsessive or angry desire for change or for ‘something to be done’
- Spending an increased amount of time online and sharing extreme views on social media.
- An unwillingness to engage with people who they see as different.
- Has a desire for status.
- Does the person sound if they are talking from a script?
- Personal crisis such as bereavement or relationship breakdown. This could also include a major life transition such as moving to university or a sudden job change or loss.
How can WA Management help?
WA Management offer a Security & Terror Alerts online training course which provides the knowledge to be able to prepare for and react appropriately to a potential security threat.