Prevent
What is Prevent?
Prevent is part of the Government's counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST) that aims to stop people from being exposed and radicalised into all forms of extremist ideologies, which could involve an intent to harm others. Prevent helps people at all ages and it is another form of safeguarding which brings agencies and members of the community together to offer support to a person who is at risk of radicalisation. Prevent does not aim to criminalise people for holding extreme views; instead, it seeks to stop individuals from encouraging or even committing violent activity.
The Prevent duty guidance requires local authorities, education, health, police and prisons, probation and youth offender services to help prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. The duty helps to ensure that people who are vulnerable to radicalisation are supported as they would be under safeguarding processes.
Examples of some signs to look for include:
- Low self esteem
- Changes in emotional behaviour
- Changes in routines
- Isolating themselves from groups, spending time alone via social media.
- Expressing feelings that they have no purpose in life and don’t belong
- Fixated on an ideology, belief or subject
- Change in language or use of words
- Closed to new ideas/conversations
- Scripted speech
This is not an exhaustive list for radicalisation and could be linked to other forms of safeguarding vulnerabilities. To consider the possibility of radicalisation as an early safeguarding consideration could offer the individual the support they require.
How to make a referral
- Raise your concerns by contacting the Counter Terrorism Police hotline on 0800-789321 or by visiting https://act.campaign.gov.uk
- Then contact the Police Prevent team as soon as possible if radicalisation is recognised. Make a referral through the Prevent National referral form. Fill out the PDF below and send to: Prevent@gloucestershire.police.ukPrevent National Referral form (pdf)Make a referral through Gloucestershire Constabulary
- Be aware of the other safeguarding concerns around the radicalisation and contact Gloucestershire County Council’s safeguarding services as soon as possible.
Prevent training
The Home Office provides online Prevent training.
This training is for people working in sectors covered by the Prevent duty, such as:
- education
- health
- local authorities
- police
- criminal justice agencies (prisons, probation and youth justice)
Other sectors that are not covered by the Prevent duty may also complete this training.
Useful contacts
- Police prevent team: if you wish to contact the prevent team contact: Prevent@gloucestershire.police.uk, if you wish to make a referral complete the form
- Anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321
- Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
- Report terrorism on the Government website.
Alternatively, if you suspect terrorism or violent extremism is being promoted or a related activity is taking place then these concerns should be reported to the local Police by calling 101 or in an emergency call 999.