Prevent
Preventing Terrorism and Radicalisation within our Communities
Terrorism can occur anywhere in the world with atrocities carried out in support of various ideologies. There is no single definition of terrorism but it commonly refers to criminal acts intended to provoke a state of terror in the general public.
The most serious threat we face in the UK is from international terrorism linked to or influenced by Al-Qaeda; who wrongly use religion to justify their actions. However, terrorism can be motivated by a range of ideologies or other factors, including religion, politics and race. In the UK the extreme right wing groups and single issue groups such as animal rights campaigners can post a significant threat.
What is Prevent?
Prevent is part of the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy that aims to stop people becoming terrorists. It is a multi-agency approach to safeguard people at risk of radicalisation.
How does Prevent work?
It looks at building a deeper understanding of how individuals become radicalised. This helps to identify ways of preventing people from becoming terrorists or supporting violent extremism.
Typically, a radicalisation process includes exposure of an individual to extremist viewpoints that may eventually influence the person to carry out an act of violent extremism or terrorism. This could take week, months or even years. It is possible to intervene during this process and stop someone becoming a terrorist or supporting violent extremist activity.
Useful Contacts and Information
There is a lot of information about Prevent available on the Home Office website:
Preventing Children Preventing Children from Radicalisation: the Prevent Duty
If you believe someone is at risk of radicalisation you can help them obtain support and prevent them becoming involved by raising your concerns and making a referral, either to the Academy Safeguarding Lead, or contact the Safeguarding Referral Unit: sru@dorset.pnn.police.uk
Telephone Contacts
Anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321
Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111